Energy: Left-wing politicians: Talk to Moscow about gas and Nord Stream 2

Energy: Left-wing politicians: Talk to Moscow about gas and Nord Stream 2

Does the apartment still get warm in winter? The gas shortage is causing headaches for many in Germany. The left-wing politician Klaus Ernst has his own proposal for a solution – and it really offends the public.

The left-wing energy expert Klaus Ernst is calling for talks with Russia about secure gas supplies and the commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline – and is thus reaping opposition from his own party.

In view of the sharp rise in prices in Germany, it is immoral to maintain the sanctions against Russia as usual, Ernst told the “Rheinische Post”.

“The federal government must now do everything to ensure the energy supply,” said the member of the Bundestag, who is chairman of the energy and climate committee. “To do this, you have to talk to Russia, despite the war that violates international law.
Possibly also above, Nord Stream 2 in operation for a limited period
to be taken if the gas supply cannot be guaranteed otherwise.”

opposition from within their own ranks

The parliamentary group leader of the left, Dietmar Bartsch, however, made it clear on Twitter: “The left and the left-wing parliamentary group are NOT demanding that talks about Nord Stream 2 be started”. The two party chairmen, Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan, also objected. «The party congress of the Left made clear decisions. We demand a price cap for gas imports, targeted sanctions against oligarchs, the non-commissioning of Nord Stream 2 and the acceleration of the energy transition,” they tweeted.

The Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2 has been completed. However, Germany put the approval process on hold shortly before Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Gas supply via the parallel Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been throttled by Russia. Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck fears that Russia will soon no longer be sending gas to Western Europe.

In an interview with the German Press Agency, Ernst countered the criticism. Using Nord Stream 2 would only be a matter of two or three months if Nord Stream 1 could not be used. That would not contradict the party congress decision, because Nord Stream 2 could then be shut down again.

Germany is dependent on Russian gas, no other country can replace the amount in the short term: “We are completely in the hands of Russia,” said Ernst and criticized politicians, “who think we could appear with thick cheeks”. The energy sanctions did not harm Russia, but Germany. A gas stop would endanger the industry, said the left-wing politician.

As an energy and climate politician, Ernst is controversial in his own ranks. But he is not alone in the left. Former faction leader Sahra Wagenknecht also tweeted: “Economic war is ruining us, not Russia! Lift sanctions, obtain gas via Nord Stream II if necessary! »

Source: Stern

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