Michael Roth's fight against fear: A look into his political career

Michael Roth's fight against fear: A look into his political career

After 27 years in the Bundestag, Michael Roth, the prominent SPD foreign politician, has retired. The 55-year-old has now published a book called “Zones of Fear”, which has been available since September 18, 2025. In it he reflects not only on his political career, but also on his personal challenges, in particular his mental illness, which he has been openly dealing with since 2022. As reported by n-tv.de, Roth has decided not to run in the 2025 federal election due to anxiety and depression.

Roth's political career is as remarkable as it is turbulent. Until 2022, he was largely unknown to the public and served in various capacities under Social Democratic foreign ministers. In spring 2022, he took over the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs Committee and vehemently advocated military support for Ukraine. This attitude not only led to increased media presence, but also brought tensions within the SPD. Roth describes his experience in the party as a “refrigerator” feeling, indicating his increasing isolation.

An honest look at your own psyche

In his book, Roth addresses the often taboo issue of mental illness and reports on the stigmatization to which he himself was exposed. Growing up in difficult circumstances, with an alcoholic father and as a gay boy in a conservative environment, he shares personal insights that give readers a sense of his motivations. Roth emphasizes that the causes of his problems do not lie solely in politics. Under the pressure of political power games and resistance within the party, he often had to fight against adversity.

Roth also expresses concern about the political culture of quick, punchy messages encouraged by social media. He believes it is necessary that young politicians have more time for leisure and relaxation so as not to get caught up in the treadmill of fear and stress. “We need more respect and leniency in society,” demands Roth in an interview with watson.de. His book not only offers a critical look at politics, but is also an appeal to society to show empathy for those who suffer from psychological stress.

Hope for a better political future

Roth advocates strong and solidarity-based support for Ukraine, sees its survival as essential for Europe and Germany and calls for a faster increase in defense capabilities. At the same time, he warns of increasing weariness among the population when it comes to support for Ukraine and emphasizes the SPD's responsibility to stand up for human rights and against authoritarian regimes.

Finally, in his book, Roth gives an optimistic outlook on his experiences in Georgia, in which he emphasizes the importance of facing one's own fears. In a world full of challenges, he calls on citizens to continue to actively participate in politics and stand up for democratic values. With a planned reading tour, he would like to share his experiences and perceptions within the SPD with the public and thus make a contribution to removing the taboo surrounding mental illnesses.