Merkel in Schwerin Castle: Political talk about energy and security

Merkel in Schwerin Castle: Political talk about energy and security

The talk “RND on site” took place today in the inner courtyard of Schwerin Castle, which attracted numerous guests. Among them was former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), who sat on the podium together with the capital city editors Eva Quadbeck and Kristina Dunz as well as Hendryk Ott, managing director of Metallbau Ott, and State Parliament President Birgit Hesse (SPD). Around 400 interested people listened to the discussions about current topics in federal and world politics. The event was broadcast live and caused many cell phone clicks afterwards as some guests wanted to get selfies with Merkel, while the President of the State Parliament expressed her gratitude for the event and for Merkel's clear answers, which she considered particularly valuable.

A central point of the discussion was the situation in Ukraine. Merkel received a question about the sanctions against Russia, which have been in focus since the annexation of Crimea. Her statement was succinct: the sanctions had not stopped Vladimir Putin from escalating the conflict. This also highlights the concerns that were already expressed at the four-party summit on the Ukraine conflict in 2015 under Merkel and then US President Barack Obama. At the time, both had threatened further sanctions if there were no tangible results. Merkel had always emphasized that a diplomatic solution was necessary, which is why she strictly rejected arms deliveries to Kiev and continued to demand fulfillment of the agreements from Minsk - a stance that she also took during the talk in Schwerin.

Insights into federal and world politics

Other burning topics such as migration, artificial intelligence and defense spending were also discussed. Especially when it comes to the issue of energy supply, Merkel made it clear that she could not imagine that the Nordstream 1 and 2 pipelines would be put back into operation. She emphasized Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's role as a pioneer in the use of renewable energies. She also advocated fair compensation for residents of wind turbines, which earned much applause from those present.

The entire discussion was a good example of how Angela Merkel has had a significant influence on German politics for years. With her pragmatism and ability to convey hope even in times of crisis, she set an example for the need for solutions that go beyond national borders. Especially in view of the geopolitical challenges that are heightened by the Ukraine conflict, it becomes clear how important cohesion in the EU and the transatlantic partnership are. It is what Merkel and Obama also addressed in 2015 when it came to avoiding a “redesign of Europe’s borders” and pushing for a peaceful solution.

Looking into the future

The audience in Schwerin felt that the topics Merkel spoke about are more relevant than ever. The uncertain situation in Ukraine, the discussions about possible sanctions and the looming challenges in the area of ​​energy supply are just some of the many effects resulting from geopolitical events. Merkel made it clear that the EU must remain firm in its stance towards Russia and climate change in order to meet both its values ​​and the security needs of its citizens. As she put it: “This is not just a question of politics, but also of justice for future generations.”

In summary, it can be said that the event in Schwerin was not only an interesting exchange about politics, but also a call to find solutions in these challenging times. Angela Merkel showed once again that she has a good instinct for sending the right message at the right time.

For more information and detailed coverage of Angela Merkel's comments, visit: Baltic Sea newspaper, World and Deutschlandfunk.