Unveiling the Truth: Merkel's Greenlight to Gazprom Deal Revealed
Gazprom Deal Secured With a Signal From Merkel
Get the lowdown on Germany's tumultuous Russia policy under the reign of Angela Merkel, and how her initial hesitance to intervene in the Gazprom deal led to a Dangerous Disaster. Now, with the Chancellery spilling the beans under duress, we delve into the gritty details behind this controversial transaction.
The disclosure of internal documents by Germany's "Süddeutsche Zeitung" brings to light the alarming lack of foresight and caution displayed by Angela Merkel and heradministration, as they went ahead with the controversial sale of German gas storage facilities to the Russian State-owned Gazprom. The damning documents reveal the stealthy maneuverings of the CDU politician, who has been accused of supporting a project now synonymous with Germany'snaves Russia policy[1].
As winter approached in 2021, the German government found itself caught in an energy crisis of epic proportions, with critically low fill levels in its storage facilities and a dire lack of gas supplies from Russia. This debacle was set in motion by Angela Merkel's failure to heed internal warnings about the risks associated with the Gazprom deal and Russia's previous annexation of Crimea[1].
Behind Closed Doors: The Wily Chancellor
In a written communication on September 2, 2015, Angela Merkel was made aware of an "asset swap" involving BASF/Wintershall's involvement in the proposed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Gazprom would gain a stake in the German gas trade, and Wintershall, a BASF subsidiary, would obtain a stake in gas fields in West Siberia. SPD Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel informed BASF that "there were no energy policy objections" to the swap[2].
In a bold move, the Chancellery declared that it found no legal basis to prohibit the transaction but acknowledged the risks associated with Gazprom taking control of important gas storage facilities, which could potentially compromise Germany's gas supply security[2].
Forging Alliances: A Headstrong Chancellor
When it came to restraining protests from Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic States, Merkel was no wallflower. Brushing off concerns, the Chancellery prepared arguments to counter the expected pushback and emphasized that the gas storage transaction did not violate Russia sanctions and was supported by the Foreign Trade and Payments Act[2].
However, in the context of the "current UKR crisis" (referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea and destabilization of eastern Ukraine), the Chancellery expected sharp reactions from affected countries. Their solution: open and transparent communication of the deal's background and lack of legal basis to these partners[2].
When Darkness Falls: Fueling a Crisis
In releasing 63 documents to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," the Chancellery acknowledged the public's right to know the truth about its involvement in the Gazprom deal. The initially withheld documents were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, and it would seem that the wheels of justice move ever so slowly[3].
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that Merkel and her administration supported the Nord Stream projects behind the scenes, while publicly portraying them as a private economic matter. With a bland, smiling face for the public, the government actively championed the construction of Nord Stream 2, downplaying the risks of increased dependence on Russian gas and the potential for the Kremlin to manipulate supplies for political gain[3].
Against the Tide: An Unwavering Chancellor
Moreover, the government disregarded the concerns of Ukraine, Poland, and Baltic States, who suspected that the sale of gas storage facilities and the backing of Nord Stream projects would undoubtedly strengthen Russian influence and create opportunities for political pressure[3]. This callous disregard for the opinions of neighboring countries contributed to strained relationships, as they accused Germany of undertaking short-sighted and self-serving actions[3].
The repercussions of these impetuous decisions are still being felt today, with a crippling energy crisis facing Germany and the European Union as a whole. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, it's clear that the time has come for a change in approach and a paradigm shift in energy policy[3].
Source: ntv.de, mau
Drama and Deception: A Tale of Chancellery vs. Merkel
- Power Play
- Merkel's Dilemma
- The Fate of Europe
- The controversial sale of German gas storage facilities to Gazprom, as revealed by internal documents, is a symptom of Angela Merkel's emission policy insensitivity, causing unease across the industry and in the realm of politics.
- The unveiled lack of foresight in Merkel's administration, concerning the Gazprom deal, shines light on the potential risks associated with an inadequate employment policy, especially in the face of critical energy crises.
- The subsequent energy crisis in Germany in 2021, attributed to Merkel's periodic indifference towards warnings about the Gazprom deal and Russia's past hostile maneuvers, exhibits the detrimental impact that a negligent employment policy can have on the country's general-news landscape and finance sector.
