German Media: Germany's Energy Prices Are Twice Those of China and the United States: Soaring Energy Costs Prompt AfD to Call for Germany’s Return to the Russian Gas and Oil Market

Germany has been in recession for two consecutive years, and the AfD argues that complete decoupling from Russian energy is the root of the problem. They claim that voters are increasingly supporting them because they hope the party can resolve the current crisis.

After the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran at the end of February this year, gasoline prices in Germany have risen by 15%. This month, in the state election in Baden-Württemberg—a major hub for the automotive industry—the Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured nearly 19% of the vote, doubling its previous result.

Earlier, in neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate, the AfD also won about 20% of the vote. Currently, the AfD firmly holds the position of Germany’s second-largest political party.

"Energy is the key issue," said Markus Frohnmaier, the local party leader of AfD in Baden-Württemberg, "Germany’s energy prices are roughly twice those in China or the United States." Frohnmaier stated, "Given the current dire economic situation in Germany, to secure energy sovereignty and affordable electricity prices, Germany must begin importing Russian natural gas and oil again." In his view, Germany need not worry that purchasing Russian gas would bolster Moscow’s war efforts.

Germany Cuts Off Russian Energy Supplies

In spring 2022, prior to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, over one-third of Germany’s crude oil imports and more than half of its natural gas demand came from Russia. After the war began—and especially following the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline—Berlin was forced to urgently seek alternative suppliers. Today, Germany’s gas suppliers include Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium; crude oil is primarily imported from Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Kazakhstan.

Data from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office shows that, aside from a small amount of liquefied natural gas imported indirectly, Germany has completely removed Russian oil and gas from its energy mix.

This shock, combined with rising energy costs and increasing competition from China, has plunged Germany into more than two years of economic recession, which has yet to fully recover. People are experiencing continuous job cuts across industries for years, a stagnant labor market, and these conditions have created fertile ground for AfD’s push to reintroduce Russian energy.

Political scientist and AfD expert Johannes Hillje believes the party’s platform resonates deeply with everyday life, stating it is "far more grounded than abstract geopolitical rhetoric."

A Mistake?

The AfD initially rose rapidly on an anti-immigration platform, but today it clearly broadens its focus to economic issues. The AfD claims its high popularity stems from "voters choosing parties they believe can solve current problems."

However, for years the AfD has been accused of sympathizing with Moscow. Other major parties unanimously agree that returning to the Russian energy market would undermine international isolation policies toward Russia. Roderich Kiesewetter, a foreign policy politician from the CDU, said, "An increase in Russian oil and gas imports would have disastrous consequences for European security and trust among our partners."

He added that the AfD deliberately glorifies Russia, though he must admit that within Germany’s ruling coalition, some figures have also called for restoring trade and economic ties with Russia.

For example, Michael Kretschmer, the governor of Saxony from the same party, stated, "The German public widely believes cutting ties with Russia was a mistake. The further east you go, the stronger this sentiment becomes."

Later this year, three states in eastern Germany will hold state parliament elections, and in Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD may even win power.

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861196274755592/

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