Merz says end of Russian gas imports contributed to energy crisis

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has acknowledged that the decision to halt imports of Russian gas contributed to a prolonged energy crisis in Germany, as the country continues to face economic and geopolitical challenges.

Speaking in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Merz said Germany is now dealing with a significantly different situation, including new challenges in relations with China and the consequences of losing Russian gas supplies.

Merz made the comments while responding to a question about whether he had made unrealistic promises to voters during the election campaign.

The chancellor said Germany’s current difficulties were partly linked to the absence of Russian gas, which had previously played a major role in the country’s energy supply. He said the government had entered office based on "different assumptions," but that extended challenges had changed the circumstances.

Merz also pointed to growing difficulties in Germany’s relationship with the United States, saying Washington is no longer providing NATO with the same level of support it has offered for many decades.

By Sabina Mammadli