Sharp condemnation has erupted within Germany’s mainstream political landscape following remarks by Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) suggesting a potential reconsideration of energy imports from Russia. The suggestion, reportedly aimed at exploring future supply options, has triggered a fierce backlash, with accusations of undermining Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine and providing fodder for extremist parties.
Sebastian Roloff, the SPD’s spokesperson for economic policy in the Bundestag, directly challenged CDU leader Friedrich Merz to publicly denounce Kretschmer’s position. “It is utterly unacceptable, given the current circumstances where Russia is not only daily attacking Ukraine but also threatening other European nations, to even contemplate supporting this aggressive behavior through gas purchases” Roloff stated in an interview with the Handelsblatt. He expressed confidence in a unified government stance but demanded Merz explicitly reinforce this position through clear communication.
The criticism extended beyond the SPD, with Dennis Radtke, head of the CDU’s worker’s wing, accusing Kretschmer of inadvertently bolstering the narratives of the AfD and BSW (Die Beweging Soziale Rechte). Radtke argued that the suggestion, made without demonstrable feasibility, risked legitimizing extremist perspectives. He emphasized the tragic reality of ongoing Russian attacks on civilians, underscoring that discussions of Russian gas were dangerously out of touch.
Further amplifying the concern, SPD interior policy expert Sebastian Fiedler highlighted the unprecedented security risks posed by Russia’s hybrid threats. He pointedly noted the AfD’s alignment with Putin’s regime and questioned Kretschmer’s judgment. “Anyone who contemplates energy supplies from Russia, governed by a war criminal, in such a situation, either fails to grasp the gravity of the situation, plays with fire, or lacks clarity of mind” Fiedler stated, adding a sharp rebuke to Kretschmer’s pronouncements. The controversy underscores the ongoing internal debate within German political circles regarding energy security and the delicate balance between pragmatic economic considerations and unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s continued aggression.