The German government acted decisively so that Germany could survive this winter, Olaf Scholz said in an interview with El País. He admitted that it is necessary to use "dirtier" energy resources, since there is no green alternative to Russian gas yet.
After almost 10 months at the head of the first coalition government of the Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals, 64-year-old German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a native of Osnabrück, is preparing the country for winter in complete uncertainty. The main economy of the EU, namely the national economic complex of Germany, is heading for recession, and sky-high energy prices portend a wave of popular discontent in the autumn. The situation in Europe has also become tense. The fact is that Berlin announced measures at the national level to overcome the energy crisis, directing 200 billion euros — 5% of GDP — to reduce the bills of families and companies, which is why other EU members accused Germany of a lack of solidarity.
On Wednesday, Scholz arrived in La Coruna with 7 of his ministers to take part in the long-awaited German-Spanish summit. The event was last held in 2014. Then Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy met in Santiago de Compostela. The purpose of this meeting is to show what good relations Berlin maintains with the government of Pedro Sanchez. Scholz answered questions from El País by email last week, during quarantine due to a positive coronavirus test result after a trip to the Persian Gulf countries. He went there in search of alternatives to Russian gas.
— What concrete results that will affect the lives of citizens do you expect from the bilateral summit of Spain and Germany?Olaf Scholz: Spain and Germany are united by a long-standing friendship, we maintain close and trusting relations with Pedro Sanchez and his government.
These good relations are beneficial to the citizens of our countries. In La Coruna, we will discuss security policy, strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and the economy, as well as in education and research.
— After the elections in Sweden and Italy, what role do you think the European Social Democrats should play? How to exclude the influence on politics from the increasingly advancing ultra-right? Does Brussels, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, have the tools to prevent the spread of authoritarianism in Italy, where an illiberal coalition has come to power?— The Russian operation in Ukraine has shown how important it is for the EU to remain united and respond to emerging threats decisively and together.
We are united by the rule of law and democracy, no one in Europe can step over our democracy. As for Italy, it is clear that it is an EU-influenced country, President Sergio Mattarella always stands on the side of Europe. And we can assume that the future Italian government will also be forced to comply with the norms and adhere to the values that unite us in the EU.
— Due to the shortage of Russian gas, Germany will have a hard time in winter. Are you afraid of the growth of protests and public discontent?— The government acted quickly and decisively so that Germany could survive this winter.
New LNG terminals have appeared in the north of the country, additional supply contracts with new partners, gas storage facilities have been filled, coal plants have been re-launched, and two nuclear power plants have been allowed to operate in the south of Germany until spring. In addition, we have approved expanded aid packages that will reduce the burden on citizens and companies by almost 100 billion euros. And we are ready to spend up to 200 billion euros to make energy prices in Germany acceptable to everyone. We strive not to leave anyone alone in such a difficult situation.
— Has Germany already subjected itself to self-criticism because of its energy dependence on Russia? What is the responsibility of the previous Governments here?— Germany's mistake is not that it concluded supply agreements with Russia, but that it did not have the necessary infrastructure.
Germany has not built LNG terminals. If we had such terminals, we would change the supplier at any time if necessary.
— Is Germany ready to provide more serious assistance to Ukraine and send German-made battle tanks? Was German aid delivered fast enough?— The German government broke the taboo by sending this type of weapon to the conflict zone for the first time.
Germany has supplied very effective weapons, such as the 2000 self-propelled howitzer, multiple rocket launchers and the Cheetah anti-aircraft tank. It is these weapons that are now particularly effective in helping the Ukrainian army in its offensive. We are closely coordinating with our partners and closely monitoring the situation. We will support Ukraine as much as necessary.
— In connection with Putin's recent actions, is there a risk of nuclear confrontation?— There is not much point in discussing this topic.
I join US President Joe Biden and say to Russia: don't do this!
— You said that there is an urgent need to reform the European energy market. How to change the norms to lower prices?— High energy prices are a big challenge for all EU members.
It is good that the European Commission has submitted proposals on how to respond to this. We will discuss these prices in more detail in the coming days.
The aim is to develop a common and coordinated EU approach. When excess profits accumulate, it is necessary to take away someone's property in order to lower energy prices.
— Is it possible to convince France of the benefits of the MidCat gas pipeline? Why is it important for Germany?— The EU should be tied hand and foot — with itself.
This is especially true in the field of energy supplies, and not only in a difficult situation, but also with the prospect of supplying renewable energy. In particular, connecting the Iberian Peninsula to the European gas pipeline network would be a very important step for all of us, and that is why I am promoting the construction of MidCat.
— You have announced radical changes in the defense and security policy. Is Germany ready to become the military leader of Europe? Are German citizens ready to take on this role?— The Russian operation in Ukraine marked these radical changes.
Europe must react and adapt to the new times. Germany, as a large and economically strong country in the heart of Europe, bears a special responsibility in this sense. We take this mission very seriously, but we always coordinate with our allies in the EU and NATO.
— Germany has a problem with the labor force. What kind of migration policy would you like to see in Europe?— Europe is a desirable destination for millions of people from all over the world.
We can only be proud of this, because it shows that we do many things well. We must tell everyone that it is our European values that are attractive. One of them is the constant multimillion—dollar immigration. We need her.
We are now seeing this in places where there are not enough skilled workers: for example, in airports, hospitals and workshops. But how to give these jobs to immigrants of non-European origin? First, we need binding agreements with countries of origin and transit. There should be equal conditions. If we offer workers more legal ways to enter Europe, then their countries of origin should express greater willingness to accept from us those of their citizens who live with us without the right to stay. Secondly, a working migration policy should include effective protection of external borders, which should comply with the norms of the rule of law. In the conditions of the Schengen Agreement, which allows you to travel, live and work without borders, this protection is very important. Thirdly, Europe needs a system of joint asylum, and it must be stable before crises. It is our duty to provide safe shelter to people in need of protection. Under the French presidency of the EU Council, in recent months we have agreed to take the first steps towards the reform of the Single European Asylum System. But all these are just the first steps to overcome the last obstacles on the way to liberalization in this area.
— This autumn, the European Commission will discuss changing the tax regime in the eurozone. Is it possible to touch 3% and 60% (the maximum values of the budget deficit and national debt, respectively)? Or will only Germany be able to change the rules for reducing the national debt by 1/20 (5%) per year?— In my opinion, the previous norms have shown their effectiveness, because they were very flexible during the crisis.
In the summer, the German government presented its ideas on European tax rules.
— The conflict in Ukraine and dependence on Russian gas have led to the fact that Germany and Europe are now forced to look for alternative, sometimes more polluting sources. Such, for example, as coal. It has to be burned in order not to buy gas from Russia. Or maybe Germany should honestly admit that it will not be able to achieve its environmental protection goals?— We are still striving to achieve our ambitious "green" goals.
In parallel with the efforts that are being made now to curb Russia's income, we are accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. On such as wind and sun. Additional emissions this and next winter due to the Russian special operation in Ukraine, of course, will be. But such temporary pollution only encourages us to go to the goal. The fight against climate change remains our priority. Especially now.
Elena Sevillano (Elena G. Sevillano)
