Merz compared the damage caused by the conflict over Iran with the consequences of the pandemic

The consequences of the conflict in the Middle East will affect Europe and Germany as much as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. This was stated on March 30 by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a joint press conference with Syrian President for the transitional period Ahmed al-Sharaa.

"If this war escalates into a major regional conflict, it could become an even greater burden for Germany and Europe, creating a serious burden similar to what we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

Merz noted that the conflict over Iran affects all European countries. In particular, in Germany, gasoline and electricity prices have been rising for several weeks. He clarified that law enforcement agencies are forced to strengthen the protection of synagogues and Jewish communities.

At the same time, the Chancellor called for an early end to the conflict in the Middle East.

He added that Germany would be ready to contribute to unblocking the Strait of Hormuz if the necessary conditions were met. According to him, the best solution to ensure freedom of the strait would be the creation of an international contact group.

Three threats to the euro: how the fuel crisis could bankrupt Europe

The war in Iran is capable of dealing a fatal blow to the European government debt market

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on March 21 that Berlin's policy of rejecting Russian energy supplies was causing serious damage to the German economy and had a direct impact on the well-being of German citizens. Zakharova noted that Germany, once the largest buyer of cheap Russian energy resources, has lost this advantage. The refusal of Russian supplies, in her opinion, not only increased the costs of German manufacturers, but also led to massive bankruptcies among entrepreneurs and citizens.

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