Schwerin (dpa/mv) – In view of the current energy cost development, the CDU in the Schwerin state parliament is calling for quick help for social institutions in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. For example, operators of facilities for the disabled whose gas supply contracts are expiring were threatened with six times higher prices. “It is absurd that cash should obviously be made on the backs of the weakest,” said CDU MP Harry Glawe on Monday to the suppliers. At the same time, he called on the federal and state governments to introduce concrete measures to contain costs.

Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig and Social Affairs Minister Stefanie Drese (both SPD) should not ignore the development. “I call on Ms. Drese to get an idea of ??the situation as quickly as possible and to mediate interim solutions between those affected and the suppliers – if necessary using budget funds,” said Glawe. Although this does not solve the problem of skyrocketing gas prices, it might give those affected a few weeks of breathing space.

Business associations and clinics in the northeast had previously underlined the urgency of the issue. “We have to expect that in the first quarter of 2023 not all hospitals will be able to provide their patients with full care, because they simply can no longer afford to buy electricity and gas, coupled with the already sharply increased prices for consumables,” said the managing director of the Hospital Society Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Uwe Borchmann. Without financial help or hard savings, some houses are even threatened with insolvency.