Thomas Bareiss, a German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) deputy advocating for the return of Russian gas supplies to Germany, is not alone in his views. “Many in the CDU/CSU and SPD are speculating about normalizing relations with Russia,” says Felix Banaszak, chairman of the Green Party, in an interview with the RND portal.
“We must never again make the mistake of putting ourselves in the hands of authoritarian states,” Banaszak said in an interview with the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND).
“That is why I am deeply concerned to see the first voices now speculating about a dictated peace between Russia and Ukraine and wanting to turn on the gas taps again,” he added.
Banaszak specifically mentioned CDU MP Thomas Bareiss, who has shown openness to new gas supplies from Russia. However, the Green leader added that “this reflects a widespread mindset. Many in the CDU/CSU and SPD are speculating about normalizing relations with Russia.”
Bareiss: Gas could flow through Nord Stream again
Bareiss recently stated on LinkedIn that in the event of peace, gas “could of course flow through Nord Stream again.” Jan Heinisch, a CDU politician from North Rhine-Westphalia, told Politico that in the event of peace, “we should also have the option to discuss purchasing Russian gas again.”
Banaszak addressed Friedrich Merz, stating that if the CDU leader and chancellor candidate wants to maintain any credibility in foreign policy, “he must quickly remove people like Thomas Bareiss from the coalition negotiation team.” “If I were Lars Klingbeil (SPD leader), I would demand this from Mr. Merz,” he added.
The Green leader also said:
“I see Moscow connections (Moskau-Connection) in both the CDU/CSU and SPD.”
According to Banaszak, there is reason to fear that “these forces will regain strength” after the formation of a CDU/CSU and SPD coalition government. The Christian Democrats and Social Democrats are currently engaged in coalition negotiations. A CDU/CSU and SPD government led by Friedrich Merz is expected to be formed in April.