Merkel called the rejection of Russian gas a serious economic blow for Germany

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (from 2005 to 2021) pointed out that the refusal of Russian gas caused significant damage to business and industry in Germany. She said in an interview with the BBC Broadcasting Corporation on November 25.

"After Donald Trump left the White House, with U.S. President (Joe. - Ed.) Biden we reached an agreement that we would start using Nord Stream - 2 only if the energy resources are not used as a weapon. And I thought this agreement was correct, and as a result the gas never went through the "Nord Stream - 2"," Merkel noted.

In the interview, she also pointed out that "the time will come when it will be necessary to resort to diplomacy to put an end" to the conflict in Ukraine. However, the former German chancellor did not specify when exactly this might happen. At the same time, Merkel believes that the goal of Europe should be to preserve the sovereignty of Ukraine.

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Earlier, on September 23, it was reported that the German industry is experiencing the most serious decline during the existence of the FRG. According to experts, the dynamics of industrial production in Germany is historically unprecedented.

Before that, on September 19, the newspaper Politico reported that the inhabitants of Germany can no longer ignore the fact of a serious crisis in the country's economy, because of which there is tension in society. Journalists called the news about the possible closure of Volkswagen plants and Intel's refusal from its planned expansion in Germany a clear indicator of the problems.

Back on August 15, the media reported that the majority of FRG residents are dissatisfied with the work of the federal government and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Thus, according to the results of a survey among the German population, it became known that 62% of respondents believe that the politician lacks leadership qualities. Even among supporters of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) 60% are sure: Scholz lacked confidence in the last few weeks.

Western countries have increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.