R. Habeck on the new price increases: ‘Without further political support we will disintegrate’

Federal Finance Minister Robert Habeck believes Germany faces a “crucial test” if gas deliveries from Russia fail. The looming emergency must be prevented by saving and storing natural gas, he said.

Faced with the imminent loss of gas supplies from Russia, Federal Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) warned of a “political nightmare scenario”. This would be the case if the state had to control the allocation of natural gas in the event of an acute crisis, Habeck told Deutschlandfunk radio on Saturday. He had no “delusions” about what would happen then, the Green politician said. “This will put Germany to a test that we haven’t had in a long time.”

Such an emergency situation must be prevented, for example, by saving and storing natural gas, Habeck said. An acute gas shortage would strain social solidarity “to the limit and possibly beyond”. The minister emphasized that in the event of a crisis, according to European legal standards, private consumption of natural gas and critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and nursing homes, will intervene “as a last resort”.

Price adjustments will be “tough

Price adjustments for consumers will be “difficult and for some very difficult,” Habeck said. “I will not hide this: I believe that without further political support we will break up or, let’s say, segregation, social segregation, will be promoted very strongly.” Further relief is currently being discussed as part of “coordinated action” between the government and social partners.

“Anything is possible, anything can happen,” Habeck said. “There may be more gas flowing again, even more than before. But it may also be that nothing is arriving.” The minister advised: “We must honestly always prepare for the worst and work a little for the best.”