Economic crisis
Lindner swears citizens on a long phase of deprivation
Finance Minister Christian Lindner warns of a possible economic crisis. Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Rising energy prices, supply chain problems and high inflation: is Germany facing an economic crisis? Finance Minister Christian Lindner is concerned.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) promises the citizens of Germany a long phase of deprivation in view of rising prices as a result of the Ukraine war.
“My concern is that we could have a very worrying situation in a few weeks and months,” said Lindner on ZDF’s “heute journal”. “It’s about three to four, maybe five years of scarcity. And we have to find an answer for that.” He added: “There is a risk of a very serious economic crisis due to the sharp rise in energy prices, due to supply chain problems, due to inflation.”
It is therefore necessary to talk about all the options, including extended service lives for the three nuclear power plants that are still operational in Germany.
Traffic light advises on energy crisis
This Wednesday, the heads of the traffic light coalition are discussing possible steps against the price increases, especially for gas and energy, as a result of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. For a few days now, Russia has been pumping significantly less gas to Germany – according to the Federal Network Agency, the supply situation is therefore tense. Among other things, this had rekindled the debate about extending the lifetime of nuclear power plants in Germany.
In addition, Lindner warned of a “serious economic crisis” due to high energy prices. The primary goal must now be to stop inflation. “Not only because of the economy, but because many people also worry about whether they can pay for life.”
The traffic light coalition argues about how energy security can be guaranteed. The SPD and the Greens are against fracking and extending the lifetime of nuclear energy. The FDP, on the other hand, does not want to rule that out. “We can also use our own power supply options. For example, the domestic gas and oil deposits, they are now much more economical than they were a few months ago due to the rise in world market prices, »said Lindner and added: «There must be no taboos when it comes to controlling price developments for people .»
Lindner: Should consider nuclear energy
Lindner emphasized that it was correct that there was no agreement in the coalition, but that there was no dispute. “In any case, I’m not satisfied that we are extending the climate-damaging coal, but not even considering the possibilities of nuclear energy.” He would like to know all the arguments and alternatives. The fact that nuclear energy is not even being considered bothers him in view of “these enormously increased prices”.
With a view to Russian gas supplies and the head of the Kremlin, the FDP chairman emphasized: “No, Putin does not have us in his hands, we are the designers of our destiny.” Germany can diversify its energy supply, close other supply chains and act freely.