Kretschmer pushes for dialogue on Nord Stream 2 despite veto
German CDU politician Michael Kretschmer is urging a resumption of dialogue with Russia regarding Nord Stream 2, arguing that it offers a chance to lower energy costs.
What do you need to know?
- Michael Kretschmer believes that Nord Stream 2 presents an opportunity for dialogue with Russia, which could help reduce energy costs in Germany.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz maintains the veto against the pipeline's activation, stating there is currently no permission for its operation.
- Most German politicians are not ready to change their strategy regarding Nord Stream 2, despite Kretschmer's proposal.
Can Nord Stream 2 reduce energy costs?
Michael Kretschmer, a German politician affiliated with the CDU party, sees Nord Stream 2 as a potential opportunity for dialogue with Russia. "We either try to coerce Russia, or we try a positive approach," he stated in the online edition of "Die Zeit."
In his opinion, the pipeline could help combat high energy costs, which have affected the German economy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
What is the position of the German government?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, at the beginning of May, expressed opposition to any revival of Nord Stream 2.
Maintaining the previous government's veto, Merz stated that "currently there is no permission for operation and that will not change." The weekly commented that most German politicians are not ready for a strategy change.
Does Kretschmer's proposal have a chance of realization?
Despite Kretschmer's arguments, most German politicians remain skeptical of his proposal. The current political and economic situation does not favor changes in the strategy regarding Nord Stream 2. However, Kretschmer remains determined to persuade his colleagues to engage in dialogue with Russia.
