Solts: ‘Prerequisite for domination and prosperity’ is the energy transition

Chancellor Olaf Soltz thanked German companies for their support of the “difficult economic situation” and spoke of the “solidarity price we are ready to pay”. He described the energy transition as a “condition of sovereignty and prosperity”.

Speaking at the German Industry Conference, Mr Soltz reiterated that “Ukraine belongs to Europe”, a belief which, he said, was further strengthened during his recent visit to Kyiv, and reiterated that Germany would continue to supports Ukraine – and with weapons – “for as long as necessary”.

Referring to the problems posed to German companies by the war, but also by the policy of sanctions against Russia, the chancellor explained that “the use of renewable energy sources is in the overriding public interest”, and stressed that the energy recovery serves the public security for Germany.

The goal of combining climate neutrality and a competitive economy “is worth the great effort” that must be paid, he said, calling 2022 a “year of decisions” for the functioning of the state, with less bureaucracy for businesses.

Earlier, the president of the German Industry Association (BDI) Siegfried Roussworm had said that the industry supports the federal government and international sanctions, but described the security of the energy supply as “Achilles’ heel” of the time.

“From today’s point of view, accepting huge dependencies as a price for cost advantages and economies of scale was simply wrong, as long as our country did not make the necessary investments in its defense capability,” said Mr Roussworm, calling for more electricity in the short term. coal energy so that in winter the gas tanks are full and in the medium term strengthening the resistance against blackmail and intimidation “.

He manually revised the growth forecast for the current year, from 3.5% to 1.5%.

Source: AMPE