Joachim Gauck
Ex-Federal President: “Even freezing for freedom”
Joachim Gauck can certainly imagine stopping Russian energy imports. Photo: Axel Heimken/dpa
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Former Federal President Joachim Gauck has campaigned for a stop to Russian energy imports. People in Germany could endure a “general dent in affluent life”.
Former Federal President Joachim Gauck considers stopping Russian energy imports to be sensible in view of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
“Well, I can imagine that very well,” said Gauck on Thursday night on the ARD talk show “Maischberger”. This is “a variant to be seriously considered”, which suits him more than the current situation.
Gauck said the loss of prosperity was bearable. “We can also freeze for freedom for once. And we can also endure for a few years that we have less happiness and zest for life. » At the same time, Germany is a social constitutional state that cares for the people most affected.
Gauck encourages people in the country
“A general dip in our affluent lives is something people can endure. We have endured other problems and we have overcome them.” The ex-Federal President encouraged people in the country: “We have more power than we think today, if we don’t need it yet.”
Gauck was pleased with the great willingness to help Ukraine refugees and recommended looking after others. “Then life becomes beautiful, although it becomes more difficult.”
Gauck, who had called for Germany to assume greater responsibility in foreign policy at the 2014 Munich Security Conference, welcomed the German government’s decision to impose tough sanctions on Russia and increase defense spending. “Of course I’m happy about a country that suddenly wakes up,” said Gauck. A country that suddenly realized: “Oh, we have to defend ourselves too! What is dear to us and is worth it, you have to defend it.” He is also pleased with the government, which has embarked on the right course and is now showing leadership.