Saxony PM: Energy imports from Russia must be resumed after the war

The Prime Minister of the German state of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, has called for the resumption of imports of energy raw materials from Russia after the end of the war in Ukraine. In an interview with the Funke media group , he stressed that it was in Germany's interest to resume supplies from Russia after the ceasefire, but without returning to its previous dependence.

Kretschmer stressed that good economic relations with Moscow can also contribute to ensuring German security. He recalled that in the past he had warned of the need to resume gas supplies, which had repeatedly drawn criticism not only from political opponents but also from his own CDU colleagues.

The European Union imposed sanctions on the Russian energy sector in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, claims that the sanctions are primarily damaging to Europe itself.

According to Kretschmer, Germany should consider the impact of sanctions in terms of its own economic interests. He fears that the current approach may lead to the de-industrialisation of the country.

The Saxon Prime Minister stressed that Russia is the aggressor, but at the same time he argues that Germany can only defend itself if it remains economically strong and competitive.

(sie)