German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom the leadership of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) chose on Monday as its chancellor candidate in the upcoming snap election, said he intends to continue talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"No, this is not part of the election campaign, and I think that the citizens take it more seriously. They think that it should be done. And I will continue to negotiate, because I represent this country in Europe and in the world, we are very responsible we have to act when it comes to peace and security," Scholz said in an interview with ZDF, responding to the host's remark that the telephone conversation could be part of the pre-election campaign.
He also noted that he considers his initiative a "responsible and necessary decision", because even if the parties do not agree, "we must talk to each other".
At the same time, he emphasized that peace cannot be established with one telephone conversation.
