Greens warn against CDU plans for renewed Russian gas ties
Amid the peace negotiations concerning Ukraine, Green Party Chairman Felix Banaszak cautioned the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) against renewing their ties with Russia. In an interview with the RND portal on Friday, he criticized the notion of resuming purchases of Russian gas once peace is achieved in Ukraine.
- We must never again make the mistake of relying on authoritarian states - said Banaszak in an interview with the editorial network RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND).
That's why I watch with great concern as some voices are now speculating on a forced peace between Russia and Ukraine and are eager to reopen the gas taps - he added.
Banaszak specifically mentioned CDU deputy Thomas Bareiss, who expressed openness to new gas supplies from Russia. However, the Green leader added that "this reveals a widespread mindset. Many in the CDU/CSU and SPD are speculating about normalizing relations with Russia".
Do they want a return to Russian gas? "Such people need to be removed quickly"
Bareiss recently commented on LinkedIn that in the event of peace, gas "could obviously flow again through Nord Stream." CDU politician from North Rhine-Westphalia Jan Heinisch told the Politico portal that if peace is established, "we should also be able to discuss purchasing Russian gas again."
Banaszak addressed Friedrich Merz, stating that if the CDU leader and chancellor candidate wants to maintain the remainder of his credibility in foreign policy, "he must very quickly remove people like Thomas Bareiss from the negotiating team in coalition talks."
- If I were Lars Klingbeil (SPD leader), I would demand this from Mr. Merz - he added.
Moscow connections
The Green leader also commented: "I see Moscow connections (orig. Moskau-Connection) in both the CDU/CSU and SPD". According to Banaszak, there is a concern that "these forces will gain strength again" after the government coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD is formed.
Christian Democrats and Social Democrats are currently engaged in coalition negotiations. The CDU/CSU and SPD government, led by Friedrich Merz, is expected to form in April.
