The city on Russia’s long leash

Berlin It could be the end. Of that they are sure. If Russian oil stopped flowing through the pipeline, as it has done with some degree of reliability since 1962, Schwedt would be finished. “That’s why they’re all pretty angry here,” says an 81-year-old man with a round, white-haired head and a stocky build.

Peter Schauer was mayor of the city on the Oder for many years. Especially in the time when it was about her end. After reunification, he took over the office, at that time still that of mayor, and held it for 15 years. It was a turbulent time for an inexperienced person like him, who studied computer science. The crucial question, over which he had no influence: would buyers be found for the petrochemical combine on the outskirts of town, which employed about 8,000 people?

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