Gazprom confirms Schroeder has withdrawn consent to run for election to board

MOSCOW. June 8 (Interfax) - Former German chancellor and chairman of the Nord Stream AG shareholders' committee Gerhard Schroeder has withdrawn his consent to run for election to the board of directors of Gazprom at its annual shareholders meeting, the Russian gas giant said in information for the AGM.

"Consent is withdrawn," the company said.

"Today, many people are concerned about whether there will be a safe supply to Europe and Germany. If Schroeder is on Gazprom's board of directors, in terms of oversight, a man of integrity and one who acts primarily in the interests of his country - they will have someone who can influence the decisions made and get information," Russian President Vladimir Putin said on February 15 regarding Schroeder's nomination.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged Schroeder to resign from all posts at Russian state companies. He has also said he is resigning from the Rosneft board.

A list of 11 candidates for 11 seats on the Gazprom board was originally approved. Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev was added to list in May. Patrushev had already served on the Gazprom board from 2016 to 2021 both while head of RusAg Bank and after becoming minister.

Schroeder said on social media at the end of May that he had declined an invitation to join the board of directors of Gazprom. He said he had long ago declined a nomination to Gazprom's board and had informed the company about this.