Saxony’s Prime Minister Kretschmer has repeatedly pointed out Germany’s dependence on Russian energy resources. But the reduced gas deliveries are Moscow’s answer to the sanctions. That’s why Nord Stream 2 doesn’t need it either.
Despite the gas crisis, Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer does not believe in opening the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s offer to use it to transport gas to Germany is “a poisoned offer,” said the CDU politician “Daily Mirror”. Nord Stream 1 is working and the reduction in gas volume is a reaction to the sanctions imposed.
FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki recently spoke out in favor of opening the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline in order to fill the gas storage tanks for the winter. The initiative was also rejected in his own party.
However, Saxony’s head of government warned of the massive consequences of high energy prices: “These energy prices are destroying everything that is the basis for our healthy economy and social peace.” The federal government must not act “ideology-driven”, but must use all capacities for lignite, hydropower, biomass and nuclear power.
At the same time, Kretschmer spoke out in favor of using the controversial fracking method in Germany to extract natural gas. “Domestic fracking gas would be a way to reduce dependence on Russia and also on the world market,” he said.
A few weeks ago, Kretschmer himself came under criticism for statements about dealing with Russia and the economic consequences of the Ukraine war – including within his own party. He demanded that Germany mediate in the war between Russia and Ukraine and ensure that “this war is frozen”. Russian raw materials are still needed.
