energy crisis
“Get lost”: Habeck booed in the civil dialogue
There were also whistles and schnapps, and many citizens called out to Habeck: “Get lost”.
Photo: Soren Stach / DPA
In a tense gas situation, the economy minister travels across the country to visit companies and interact with citizens – and the whistle is blowing. There are still stops in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt.
07/29/2022, 03:53
Bayreuth. Economics Minister Robert Habeck has sharply defended the course of the federal government in Ukraine policy against protests.
In a citizens’ dialogue in Bayreuth, the Green politician made it clear in view of the sharp rise in energy prices that Germany should not accept a Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, despite the financial losses. The delivery of arms would have helped Ukraine resist the aggressor.
In Bayreuth, a loud whistle was whistled against Hebek, many citizens shouted sentences like “Get lost”. The posters described it as “warmth”. Overall, the protesters were in the minority at the civil dialogue, which was estimated at several hundred participants. Hebeck defended the course taken by the federal government and promoted exchange and dialogue.
In the dispute over a turbine for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, Habek accused Russia of lying – he spoke of a “spectacle”. The facility serviced in Canada has been in Germany since last Monday. All the papers were there, in her hands. But Russia refused to bring the turbine to its country. “They lie to your face.”
Referring to the sharp rise in energy prices, he said its root was Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The dictatorial regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin must not win. Aggressive politics should not prevail. Germany must be rid of Russian energy as soon as possible.
costs and relief
In view of the sharp rise in energy costs, the minister sees a need for discussion about additional relief for citizens. There is a “zone” that has not yet been “enlightened” politically, he said during a visit to the Bayreuth municipal works. Hebek spoke of “average earners” who did not earn a lot of money a month. “Because I think I know the strains that can come with that, I’m definitely in favor of being more generous.”
All gas customers in Germany will have to reckon with higher prices in autumn due to a politically agreed levy. With the surcharge, the federal government wants to relieve struggling suppliers who have sharply increased procurement costs due to the throttling of Russian gas supplies. With surcharges, they can largely be passed on to gas customers. In addition, the market-related prices tend to rise anyway. The traffic light coalition is discussing whether a new aid package is needed this year.
From this Friday, Habeck is going on a two-day trip to Saxony-Anhalt, Bavaria and Thuringia. Company visits are on the agenda.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:220729-99-196279/2 (dpa)
source
