Gas supplies from Russia have already fallen significantly as a result of the sanctions. Soon, however, no more gas could flow through the important Nord Stream pipeline. Which is why German politicians are asking citizens to save on gas. Robert Habeck is leading by example.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) has warned of a harsh winter in view of the curtailed Russian gas supplies. “We are already where Germany has never been,” he told Der Spiegel. If Russian gas supplies remain as low as they are now, the country will run into a gas shortage. “It will definitely be tight in winter,” explained Habeck. This is part of Putin’s plan to incite fear in Germany.
After all, this is “the best breeding ground for populism that is intended to hollow out our liberal democracy from the inside,” said Habeck in “Spiegel”. However, in Habeck’s eyes, Germany will not be dismantled by Putin’s strategy.
On Thursday, the Green politician declared the second crisis level in the gas emergency plan, the so-called alarm level. This emergency plan has never been activated in Germany. It provides for close monitoring of the gas market, strict gas savings and, in cases of doubt, the allocation of gas volumes. Should the third stage be reached, the state would actively intervene in the market.
“If there isn’t enough gas, certain industries that need gas would have to be shut down,” Habeck said of the precarious situation. As a result, “companies have to stop production, lay off their workers, supply chains collapse, folks going into debt to pay their heating bills, people are getting poorer, and frustration is eating away at the country.” Habeck concedes that relief packages cannot “catch everything”.
In this context, Habeck speaks of an external shock “the burden of which must be borne”. Accordingly, the situation requires the solidarity of the citizens. “People shouldn’t have to ask themselves what they’re getting, they should do it because they feel like living in this country, because they feel pride and joy in doing something for others.”
He himself observes the published recommendations of his ministry. “I’ve significantly reduced my shower time again,” explained Habeck. However, he has never showered for five minutes in his life. “I’ll take a quick shower,” said the Green politician.
He also heats sparingly in winter, especially since he is “very reluctant to be in air-conditioned rooms” in summer anyway.
However, he himself is not the right indicator, he admits. “As a minister, I have a salary that others only dream of. Also, I come home late, get up at six and leave by seven. You don’t have to heat it at all in winter.”
It also helps a lot to turn the heating down a degree in winter. Habeck said he would also like it if people went on vacation by train this summer instead of flying to the Mediterranean.
