Exposing the Chancellor's Gas Game: Merkel's Questionable Ties with Gazprom
Gazprom Deal Negotiated by Merkel with a Subtle Nod
In the aftermath of the Ukraine debacle, Germany’s Russia policy has hit rock bottom. The Chancellery has been compelled to lay bare its hand on the gas storage sale to Gazprom, following the release of previously concealed documents. These files illustrate Merkel's clandestine role in supporting the deal, despite internal alarms and the annexation of Crimea by Russia.
internal documents from the German Chancellery reveal that Angela Merkel made active efforts to manipulate events behind the scenes, facilitating the sale of German gas storage facilities to the Russian state-controlled company, Gazprom. The Süddeutsche Zeitung secured the release of these documents, exposing how Merkel pushed for a business relationship with Gazprom despite clear internal warnings and geopolitical issues, including Russia's earlier annexation of Crimea.
Key facts from these damning documents suggest:
- In September 2015, Merkel was made aware of plans for an asset swap deal between BASF/Wintershall and Gazprom that would give the latter control over the German gas trade, while Wintershall would receive stakes in gas fields in Western Siberia. Merkel gave her blessing to this arrangement, despite internal ultrasons[1][2].
- Merkel's government openly supported the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which later became a symbol of what the Süddeutsche Zeitung called "naive German Russia policy." This backing came at a time of diminishing gas storage levels in Germany during 2021/2022 and increasing energy dependency, factors that contributed to the subsequent energy crisis exacerbated by Russia's reduced gas shipments during the Ukraine conflict[2].
- Insiders within Merkel's government had expressed concerns about the risks associated with deepening cooperation with Gazprom, but Merkel prioritized ensuring stable and affordable gas supplies for Germany, reflecting a broader strategic decision to secure such ties with Russia[1][2].
In essence, the Chancellery's internal documents showcase how Merkel's administration legitimized the sale of crucial German gas infrastructure to Gazprom and openly championed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, despite internal reservations about Russia's behavior and energy security concerns[1][2]. This revelation points to a calculated political stance in favor of stronger energy cooperation with Russia under Merkel’s leadership[1][2].
[1] "Internal German documents expose close ties with Gazprom under Angela Merkel" (Süddeutsche Zeitung, 22 September 2022)[2] "Germany allowed Gazprom to buy gas storage: Merkel knew the risks but still let it happen" (Deutsche Welle, 22 September 2022)
- The internal documents from the German Chancellery's exposure reveal connections between Merkel's policy and the industry, specifically her endorsement of the employment policy that allowed Gazprom, a Russian state-controlled company, to gain control over German gas trade.
- The German finance sector may have implications in the energy sector as the Chancellor's reported actions, such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project support, could impact the country's financial stability, given the ongoing energy crisis and dependency on Russia.
- The controversial gas deal saga and Merkel's policy decisions regarding Gazprom have fomented debates in policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news spheres, prompting questioning about the future of Germany's relationships with major industries, including energy, under new leadership.
