"Flipping the gas switch" - Banaszak warns of a new "Moscow Connection" emerging between Union and SPD
Moscow-Union-SPD Link Warned About by Banaszak: Potential New Alleged Collusion
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As negotiations over a potential coalition between the SPD and Union unfold, Green Party leader Banaszak sounds the alarm on a potential thaw in relations with Russia. He has a specific Union representative in his crosshairs.
The chairman of the Greens, Felix Banaszak, has issued a stern warning to the Union and SPD, cautioning them against renewing ties with Russia and the revival of a "Moscow Connection." "We must never again fall victim to the clutches of authoritarian regimes," Banaszak told the German Press Agency (dpa). "With more and more voices from the Union and SPD calling for a hasty peace between Russia and Ukraine and advocating for turning the gas tap back on, I'm keeping a watchful eye."
Banaszak has singled out CDU MP Thomas Bareiß, who has advocated for fresh supplies of gas from Russia. However, he emphasized, "Behind this stance is an unfortunate mentality. Many in the Union and SPD are yearning for a normalization of relations with Russia."
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However, Banaszak maintains that he believes it would be a "grave error" if the small coalition repeats the actions of the grand coalition in 2021. "To this day, some decisions by Olaf Scholz and his associates regarding the approval of Nord Stream II remain unclear. This needs to be addressed."
Green Party leader suspects "morning light" among Putin advocates
Addressing Friedrich Merz, Banaszak urges the CDU leader to act swiftly if he wishes to preserve his foreign policy credibility. "If he wants to maintain his foreign policy credibility, Merz must swiftly remove people like Thomas Bareiß from the coalition negotiation team," he said. He added, "Lars Klingbeil would also be well-advised to step aside."
Banaszak further stressed, "I see a 'Moscow Connection' in both the Union and the SPD. Some are naive, but others are chasing strategic or blatantly economic gains." He warned that these forces may gain ground once again with the formation of a black-red coalition. "The last grand coalition made the most disastrous decisions regarding Russia. We, along with the FDP, served as a necessary check in the traffic light coalition. Now, some Putin supporters are sensing morning light, and extreme caution is warranted."
Sources:
- ntv.de
- lme
- Russia
- Gas
- Union Faction
- SPD
- Nord Stream
- The Greens' party leader, Felix Banaszak, has warned the Union and SPD against renewing ties with Russia, fearing a revival of a "Moscow Connection" in their potential coalition, as he singles out CDU MP Thomas Bareiß for his stance on fresh gas supplies from Russia.
- In light of the potential CDU-SPD coalition, Banaszak believes it would be a "grave error" to repeat the actions of the grand coalition in approving Nord Stream II, calling for transparency in the decisions made by Olaf Scholz and his associates regarding the pipeline.
- Banaszak suspects a "Moscow Connection" exists within both the Union and the SPD, with some driven by strategic or economic gains, and he cautions that the formation of a black-red coalition may once again provide opportunities for Putin supporters.
