From the Day of German Industry, Chancellor Soltz, Finance Minister Lindner and Robert Hubeck sent their own messages. “Prevent an inflation spiral” in every way.
“Since February 24, Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine has endangered peace in Europe and international law. Sanctions against Russia hurt us, hurt our companies. But they are right: freedom comes at a price. Democracy too. And we are ready to pay that price. ” With these words the chancellor Olaf Solts addressed industry representatives on the occasion of German Industry Day in Berlin, thanking them for their support of the German government’s emergency measures in recent months.
The challenges posed by the war in Ukraine are great, the “end of an era” that Olaf Solz has been talking about for months also concerns German heavy industry, which “should come out of this test not weakened but strengthened” . A test, he said, concerns the whole range of production, from raw materials to supply chains, all under the weight of the energy crisis and the rapid rise in energy prices.
“Industry has been hit hard by rising energy prices,” he said, adding that “all these external shocks should not lead to an inflation spiral.” He even announced the meeting of the German government, representatives of industry and trade unions on July 4 with the aim of coordinating actions to address the new situation.
Olaf Soltz’s four goals for economy and energy
For Chancellor Soltz, despite the war in Ukraine and its aftermath, Germany’s economic and energy goals must remain: First, a consistent transition to renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy, absolute public interest of Germany.
Secondly, the reduction of electricity prices, which is currently a brake on the abolition of fossil fuels and international competition.
Thirdly, the acceleration of administrative procedures and the removal of bureaucratic obstacles in the field of energy.
Fourth, the establishment of an international climate team in the G7 model, which will ensure that all international partners are committed to climate protection by following the path of climate neutrality.
German not in the abolition of classic engines
For his part, the Minister of Finance from the Liberals Christian Lindner focused mainly on the higher electricity prices that the German industry is now required to pay, proposing compensation to companies in the industry for energy costs.
His statements about the future of e-mobility caused a special sensation, emphasizing that despite its support, in the future it will not be able to expand everywhere. That is why the German government opposes a de facto ban on conventional combustion engines. “I have decided that I, as a member of the German Government, and we as the German Government will not support the relevant European legislation,” he said.
Habeck: The return to coal
For his part, the German Ministry of Economy Robert Hubeck stated from the podium of the German Industry Day that the reduction of the flow of natural gas to Germany is equivalent to an “economic attack” in the country. According to the Green Minister, Russian President Putin wants to create in the world the fear of a new poverty. “This strategy will not succeed,” he said.
Regarding the planned return to coal for energy production, Robert Habeck hastened to clarify that Germany’s goal remains the transition to renewable sources, with even greater support.
However, in recent days, the head of the German Industrialists’ Association, Siegfried Roussworm, had directly supported the immediate return to coal combustion in order to avoid further problems in industrial production due to the prevailing uncertainty regarding natural gas.
DW – Dimitra Kyranoudi
