Union faction leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) is critical of Germany’s dependence on Russian energy supplies.
Berlin – It cannot be ruled out that exports will soon come to a standstill, said Merz on Thursday in the ARD “Morgenmagazin”. Russia itself could shut down oil and gas supplies, or Ukraine’s gas pipelines could be damaged in the fighting.
He therefore welcomes the fact that Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) “is on his way to look for alternatives”. In addition to private households, a large part of the German economy is also dependent on oil and gas supplies from Russia, said Merz. “If we can find alternatives, I’m very much in favor of reducing this dependency quickly and drastically.” It is currently the case that Germany is “additionally financing this war between Russia and Ukraine through the rising oil and gas prices”.
The CDU leader also warned of an escalation of the war. “This must not become a conflict between the European Union or NATO on this side and Russia.” It is a conflict between Ukraine and Russia. “It’s a Russian attack on Ukraine,” stressed Merz. “It’s not a NATO conflict. If it were, this conflict would look very different.”
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