In Berlin, tensions rise as the coalition negotiations among German political parties become controversial, particularly after remarks from CDU politician Thomas Bareiß. The deputy chair of the Green party's Bundestag faction, Andreas Audretsch, called for Bareiß's exclusion from the ongoing talks, citing comments he made regarding the recommencement of Russian gas imports post-Ukraine war. Audretsch emphasized, “Putin has already tried to force Germany to its knees through energy dependence,” highlighting historical concerns about Germany’s energy dealings. The precarious relationships within German politics seem to be exacerbated by Bareiß's controversial assertions about gas supply lines under U.S. control, drawing accusations from various Green party members.
Audretsch’s strong stance reflects the broader uneasiness within the current political landscape. He criticized Bareiß's long-standing connections to climate denial movements and charged that he has worked against renewable energy initiatives while simultaneously fostering dependence on foreign autocrats, including those from Azerbaijan. “Always at the forefront is Thomas Bareiß, who for years has maintained close ties to the lobby scene of climate crisis deniers,” Audretsch denounced in an interview with Der Spiegel.
The CDU has, however, attempted to distance itself from Bareiß's comments. A spokesperson for the party stated that speculations about the reopening of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was halted following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflect individual opinions and do not represent the official CDU stance. This reaction underscores the delicate balance CDU is trying to maintain amid ongoing internal and external pressures.
Another influential voice from the Green party, Konstantin von Notz, echoed Audretsch's concerns, urging CDU leader Friedrich Merz to ensure that individuals who have floated notions of reviving Russian gas imports be sidelined from coalition negotiations. “If he [Merz] wants to be credible, he has to remove those who have expressed such views,” von Notz told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
The backdrop of these discussions is fraught with political peril. The CDU's Jan Heinisch recently suggested that dialogue about Russian gas could resume if a just and secure peace is reached, which further inflamed tensions among coalition partners. This line of reasoning appears to meet with skepticism from those aware of Russia's history of leveraging energy for political gain.
The scandal isn't limited to party lines. A notable backlash has emerged from within the CDU itself, as voices from other factions warn against any normalization of economic relations with Russia until a regime change occurs. Dennis Radtke, the federal chair of the CDU's social wing and an EU parliament member, emphasized that revival of relations with Russia is off the table until significant changes happen in government.
Although Nord Stream 2 was designed to deliver gas from Russia to Germany, it was never put into operation after its construction was halted due to geopolitical tensions resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Surmising the practicalities of engaging with a regime characterized as an aggressor has led to serious contention within the coalition negotiations, especially as the notion of recommencement of imports is brought up.
In light of these complexities, the Greens have raised alarm bells about the so-called “Moscow connection” within the CDU, suggesting that there are underlying currents advocating for a relationship with a nation they believe poses a significant threat to Europe. Audretsch further criticized the idea of reopening the pipeline, stating that “the central infrastructure of energy supply cannot fall into Russian or U.S. hands.”
Furthermore, he added that energy reliance on Russia will jeopardize the economic stability and security of Europe. The urgency of transitioning towards renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly evident to many as they seek to establish a more autonomous and secure energy future.
As the negotiations progress, the pressures mount on CDU leader Merz to recalibrate strategies and take a firmer stance against proposals that may inadvertently empower adversarial governments. All eyes are on him as he navigates this political crossroad, navigating not only the expectations of his own party but also ensuring national security and trust within coalition partnerships.
Audretsch concluded by reiterating the necessity for clarity, stating, “Friedrich Merz must provide clarity and exclude Thomas Bareiß from the negotiations,” a call that embodies the urgency for accountability, leadership, and vision as Germany strides forward amidst geopolitical challenges set forth by a complex energy landscape.
