Das Erste: in Germany, the “traffic light” coalition is approaching a split over the “Nord Stream-2”
Photo: Stine Jacobsen / Reuters
German TV channel Das Erste said that the “traffic light” coalition formed by the new German government is approaching a split over disagreements over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Thus, the new Foreign Minister of Germany, Annalena Berbock, found herself in a difficult situation due to Russian-German relations. According to the author of the material, Corinna Emunds, they have reached their lowest point due to the Ukrainian crisis. At the same time, the gas pipeline raises even more questions between the Greens and the Social Democrats, which are part of the coalition. “Nord Stream 2 is like an elephant in a china shop between the parties of the traffic light,” notes Emunds.
The journalist also drew attention to the fact that the coalition agreement does not mention the project, which may indicate the absence of a unified position. “This is a wedge in the coalition that can still create tension,” says Janis Kluge, an expert on Russia at the German Institute for International Relations and Security.
On December 17, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the suspension of certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline a non-political and inconclusive decision. At the same time, the head of state added that this procedure provides for “a lot of consultations”, but the process is underway.
