Angela Merkel in Schwerin Castle: A look at Germany's future

Angela Merkel in Schwerin Castle: A look at Germany's future

The talc "rnd on site" recently took place in the picturesque ambience of the Schwerin Castle. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) was one of the main speakers that evening, who attracted more than 400 guests. Together with Eva Quadbeck and Kristina Dunz, the heads of the Hendryk Ott, Managing Director of Metallbau Ott, she discussed current topics of federal and world politics. Landtag President Birgit Hesse (SPD) welcomed the audience and was grateful for the event that was broadcast in the live stream and offered numerous people insight into the political discussions.

Merkel's appearance brought an abundance of topics to the table, from artificial intelligence to migration to border controls and the current conflicts in Israel. The discussion about the sanctions against Russia after the annexation of the Crimea was particularly explosive. In this context, Hendryk Ott asked the question of whether these sanctions really had an impact on the Ukraine conflict. Merkel explained that the sanctions would not have been enough to prevent Vladimir Putin from attacking Ukraine. Many observers consider these words to be a clear announcement that captures the reality of the geopolitical game.

responsibility and diplomacy

In her first interview after the end of her term, Merkel also expressed that despite the failed efforts for the MINSK agreement with which the conflict in Eastern Ukraine was to be solved, she feels great regret, but sees no reason for self-accusation. She made it clear that diplomacy is never for nothing, even if the results do not always bring the hoped -for peace. With regard to the current conflict, it advocated a common European answer to the "brutal disregard of international law" by Russia, which is not only a tragedy for Ukraine, but for all of Europe.

The past shows that Merkel has always followed a pragmatic approach, especially with regard to energy supply and the north stream pipelines. Despite the criticism of Germany's dependence on Russian natural gas, she repeatedly emphasized the need for this infrastructure for German industry. Especially now that Germany is faced with the challenge to shut down its nuclear power plants by 2024 and to ban coal power electricity by 2038, the topic of energy supply and security becomes all the more pressing.

A look into the future

Merkel also pointed out in Schwerin that Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was a pioneer in the use of renewable energies and spoke in favor of compensation payments to residents of wind turbines. The question remains how Germany will stand up in a changing geopolitical context, especially with regard to resource security and climate goals. The north stream projects, which cost around 17.5 billion euros, are still under a bad star. The dependence on Russian gas is considered riskily in the current situation, especially with regard to the war in Ukraine.

The event ended with a warm applause from the audience. Some guests even ventured a selfie with Merkel, who is not only remembered as a chancellor, but also as a key figure in European politics. Your statements and commitment are a sign of the future that both Germany and the entire EU should pay particular attention to.

The talk in Schwerin was not only a look back at Merkel's term of office, but also a look into the future that raises many questions for the coming years.

Ostsee Zeitung rfe/rl ,
politico