According to media reports, in mid-January, Schröder declined to participate in the investigation into the construction of the "Nord Stream 2" gas pipeline due to illness.
The politician's doctor indicated that the 80-year-old man is experiencing "a typical burnout syndrome with signs of severe exhaustion and acute energy deficiency." Additionally, the former chancellor is facing "issues with attention and memory, as well as sleep disturbances."
He also added that Schröder "is unable to handle the physical and mental strain associated with lengthy – particularly public – interrogations by the investigative committee, neither at this time nor in the foreseeable future," the media reports.
The politician's lawyer, on behalf of the family, has appealed to the public to respect his client's privacy, the publication notes.