Kretschmer under fire: Greens demand clear distancing of Putin friend!

Kretschmer under fire: Greens demand clear distancing of Putin friend!

The political tensions in Germany are increasing after Britta Haßelmann, leader of the Greens faction, criticized the statements by Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer. Kretschmer commented on an international economic forum in St. Petersburg, where he called for an end to the Russia sanctions. This remark met with massive criticism not only in the government, but also within his own party, the CDU. Haßelmann described Kretschmer as a "Putin friend" and asked CDU boss Friedrich Merz to handle the supposed "Moscow Connection" within the party.

Kretschmer argues that Russia is a strategically important partner and that sanctions would be reassessed. He criticized the categorical no in Germany and other European countries about possible loosening, which he described as "completely out of time". His demand could endanger the unity of European countries, warned Haßelmann. She emphasized that a loosening of the sanctions would be a serious mistake that could have Europe out of the common procedure.

criticism and support within the CDU

The statements of Kretschmer are in a context that is considered critical by the CDU itself. Thomas Bareiß and Jan Heinisch, other CDU politicians, also caused a sensation with their comments on Russia policy. Heinisch addressed the need to speak about the purchase of Russian gas after a fair peace. Bareiß said that under certain conditions the reactivation of the Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2 could be considered.

The CDU chairman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer confirmed that the sanctions are not lifted as long as Russia's behavior in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine does not change. Accordingly, Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier, who emphasized that the Federal Government would maintain the sanctions as long as the reasons for the introduction.

The effect of the sanctions in the context of the war

The sanctions against Russia were quickly imposed on Ukraine after the attack started and show a clear effect; Millions are on the run, while the destruction of infrastructure and home assumes unimaginable dimensions. The economic pressure on Russia is immense, with an expected shrinking of the economy by 10% in 2022. Over 9 out of 10 Russian companies suffer from sanctions that burden exports and force specialists abroad.

A overflow boycott also has negative effects on the Russian aircraft. Aeroflot reports that 6 out of 10 flights are. The entry bans for more than 1150 Russians as well as the recording and freezing of assets in the EU are also part of the measures that Russia pays for its war of aggression.

Wolfgang Ischinger, head of the Munich security conference, criticized Kretschmer's statements and advised him to hire a foreign policy consultant. These developments take a high level of the upcoming coalition talks between the CDU and the SPD, in which both Kretschmer and Merz play a central role.

Overall, the political debate in Germany about Russia policy remains greatly tense. While some strive for a loosening of the sanctions, others exist on a strict line of the international community.