Calls for Exclusion of Politicians Favoring Russian Gas Imports

The ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Germany's energy policy have intensified following remarks made by members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding potential Russian gas imports. Konstantin von Notz, the Vice Chair of the Green Party's parliamentary faction, has urged CDU leader Friedrich Merz to remove any negotiators from coalition talks who are entertaining the idea of reinstating imports of Russian gas.

Von Notz emphasized the urgency of the security threats posed by Russia to Germany and Europe, calling for Merz to take decisive action by withdrawing individuals who have expressed such views from their roles in coalition negotiations. He articulated that for Merz to be taken seriously, it is crucial that he disassociates himself from those who have suggested a return to discussions about Russian gas.

The controversy has been further fueled by comments from Jan Heinisch, the CDU's Deputy Leader in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, who suggested that a future peace agreement might allow for the resumption of Russian gas imports. Additionally, Thomas Bareiß, a CDU member of the Bundestag, recently posted on LinkedIn that if peace were restored and relations normalized, then it would be conceivable to resume gas shipments, potentially through a pipeline under U.S. control.

These remarks have sparked criticism from the Green Party, highlighting concerns that such statements reflect a lingering connection to Moscow within the CDU. Von Notz described the CDU's response as inadequate, suggesting it indicates that pro-Russian sentiment remains influential within the party and could affect the future government.

Despite the CDU's claims that discussions about reopening the Nord Stream 2 pipeline do not represent the party's official position, the tensions surrounding energy policy and security remain high. The Nord Stream 2 project, which was intended to transport gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, was halted following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

As negotiations continue, the Green Party's leadership is calling for a definitive stance against any resurgence of ties to Russian energy supplies, reflecting the broader sentiment within the German political landscape regarding energy independence and national security.