German ex-chancellor Schroeder hits back in Russia row before vote

FILE PHOTO: Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder delivers his speech at the Social Democratic party (SPD) convention in Dortmund, Germany June 25, 2017. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) - Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder hit back at criticism of his planned new job at Russian oil producer Rosneft on Thursday, accusing his foes of political manoeuvring to help get Angela Merkel re-elected.

The nomination of Social Democrat Schroeder to the board of Rosneft, subject to Western sanctions over Moscow's role in the Ukraine crisis, has caused an outcry in Germany, especially in a climate of fear about any potential Russian interference in the Sept. 24 vote.