Berlin Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) sees no short-term possibility of doing without energy supplies from Russia. In the general debate in the German Bundestag, the Social Democrat affirmed that stopping Russian oil imports could not be implemented overnight. But: “We will end this dependency as soon as possible.”
The sanctions imposed on Ukraine because of the Russian war of aggression are already hitting the citizens of Germany hard – and not just in the form of high fuel prices. If you take hasty steps, however, Germany is threatened with a recession. The sanctions should not hit the EU harder than the Russian leadership.
Scholz also calls for an immediate end to the Ukraine war. “The guns must be silent, and now.” In the past few days, he has also spoken long and hard with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Putin needs to hear the truth,” says Scholz. The war will not only destroy Ukraine, but also the future of Russia.
Scholz also continues to assure Ukraine of the federal government’s solidarity during the war: “Ukraine can rely on our help.” Germany has been helping since the beginning of the war – with military help, with joint sanctions against the aggressor Russia. The measures would help. The Russian economy would falter. “We are constantly tightening the sanctions.” However, many of the effects only became apparent after weeks.
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Many called for a no-fly zone and NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine – Germany would not give in to that. It must remain the case that a direct military confrontation between the western defense alliance and Russia is avoided.
Scholz welcomes refugees
Scholz has also promised war refugees from Ukraine comprehensive support. “It is still completely unclear how many women, men and children from Ukraine will seek refuge with us. All we know is that there will be many,” said the SPD politician. He emphasized: “The refugees are welcome here with us.” Germany will help, and the federal government is also prepared to take additional measures.
Scholz spoke of unbearable images of destroyed apartments, bombed hospitals and besieged cities in Ukraine – and of women and children fleeing Russian President Putin’s bombs, tanks and rockets. S
Scholz thanked for “an overwhelming wave of compassion and solidarity”. Tens of thousands not only opened their hearts, but also houses and apartments. Above all, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania and Hungary did an extraordinary job.
The Chancellor confirmed that the federal and state governments wanted to clarify open questions about the admission of refugees in Germany by April 7th. “It is the duty and obligation of everyone – federal, state and local – to work together in the interests of the matter, instead of first having long debates about responsibilities.”
Merz: The basic assumptions of the traffic light coalition for the budget are not correct
Union faction leader Friedrich Merz has accused the traffic light coalition of not reacting sufficiently to the Russian war against Ukraine. Chancellor Scholz spoke of a turning point in view of the war in Ukraine, said the CDU chairman, who is also the opposition leader in the Bundestag, on Wednesday in the general debate on the budget of the chancellery.
Union faction leader Friedrich Merz has accused the traffic light coalition of not reacting sufficiently to the Russian war against Ukraine.
(Photo: dpa)
However, he and the Union faction did not really notice much of this turning point in the speech by Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP). The government is based on basic assumptions that are already known to be incorrect.
Merz opened the general debate. One focus of Chancellor Scholz’s subsequent speech is likely to be the Ukraine war and its consequences.
More: Aid for the economy, no tax increases – Lindner seeks approval for record debt budget