They were once a couple, now they are separated – but Doris Schröder-Köpf still praises Boris Pistorius in the highest tones. “He is the perfect combination of experience and openness, grounding and imagination, a sense of responsibility and generosity,” wrote the 59-year-old in a guest article for “Bild” (Saturday), which appeared under the heading “That’s why everyone loves Boris”.
The ex-wife of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (79) was in a relationship with Pistorius from 2016 to 2022, who took over the post of Defense Minister in January of this year. Before moving to the federal government, Pistorius (63) was Interior Minister in Lower Saxony for a long time, Schröder-Köpf was the state’s migration officer from 2013 to 2022, both are in the SPD.
Many strengths and few weaknesses
After ten years of cooperation, she was “not a bit surprised” that Pistorius was up to the new task as defense minister, Schröder-Köpf continued. “He leaves neither politically nor privately scorched earth. He has strong opinions and leadership, and the women in the Ministry of Defense can rely on him to see their interests and promote their talents.”
In the article, Schröder-Köpf reveals that the 63-year-old also has “(few, small) weaknesses”, for example for sweets. “I learned from him that there is a ‘dessert stomach’ – especially for meringues and tiramisu.”
Details of breakup unknown
The two SPD politicians have hardly spoken publicly about their separation. Schröder-Köpf talked about this in an interview with “Bunte” last September after a serious heart operation at the end of 2020.
At the time, she said: “Since the operation, I’ve had a slightly different view of my life. When you see your own finitude in this way, you may have a stronger need for clarity. But we’re friends.”