Scholz: Russia violates gas supply contracts, Germany has been preparing to stop them since December

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that Russia cannot be called a reliable energy supplier. According to him, Moscow “is no longer fulfilling its contractual obligations for deliveries.” Mr. Scholz also said that the German government was preparing to cut off Russian gas supplies from December 2021.

“Since December last year, with the Minister of Economy and a consultant to the Chancellor’s office, we have been looking for answers to the question of what will happen if this (supply stop.— “b”) will happen,” the chancellor said on air ZDF.

According to him, this is why the German authorities managed to take “timely decisions” to avoid an energy crisis this winter. “We will survive this winter,” the chancellor said. Former leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, Friedrich Merz allowed blackouts this winter.

Chancellor also announced financial support to German citizens for €65 billion due to rising inflation. This is the largest of three bailout packages the German government has given out since February. Previously, Germany adopted two packages of benefits worth €30 billion.

Since the beginning of the summer, Gazprom has reduced the flow of gas through the Nord Stream pipeline. From August 31 to September 3, Gazprom completely stopped deliveries through it, explaining this decision by planned repairs. September 3 became knownthat despite the cessation of supplies via Nord Stream, gas storage facilities in Germany are 85% full.