Facing severe energy shortages this coming winter, Germany is already preparing stringent energy conservation measures, in an effort to build stockpiles of natural gas ahead of time. Buildings will not be heated above 66°F this winter and citizens are being told to cut energy consumption by a draconian 20%.
Needless to say, this is not expected to go over well, and German government is reported to be preparing for mass protests and civil unrest.
Kramer said that officials were bracing for protests over "gas shortages, energy problems, supply difficulties, possible recession, unemployment, but also the growing poverty right up to the middle class," adding that "extremists" which include "lateral thinkers" who rallied against pandemic lockdowns, and 'right-wing activists' who have been stirring the post over social media, could be at the heart of them.
The perversity of the situation is that it is entirely a self-inflicted wound. Having for years neglected its own energy infrastructure, Germany allowed itself to become dependent on Russian natural gas exports, and then waded into the Russo-Ukrainian War unprepared. This shortage is entirely driven by politics.
Can the German government survive a self-inflicted winter of discontent?
This is a classic example of modern woke liberals who think they are the only ones that are allowed to punch in a fight. When someone or some country does punch back, they whine about how unfair things are. How stupid were the European leaders to sanction the country that provides a lot of their energy? They thought they were so clever when they carved out an exemption for Russian oil and gas in their numerous sanction regimes. Russia fought back by finding their own clever ways to slowly turn the screws on the flow of energy to Europe, while directing their natural resources to other friendly countries (which is most of the world). This was such as easy thing to see coming. Now the chickens are coming home to roost in liberal Europe.
What does it tell you about government if it has to prepare for mass demonstrations and unrest when it implements new policies? Do you think those policies are designed to help their citizens?
"Germany allowed itself to become dependent on Russian natural gas exports"
That has been the case for a very long time. In the mid 1960s, my uncle and aunt moved into a newly built quadplex house. It had oil heat, and the basement had a dedicated room full of a whole bunch of 1000 liter oil tanks -- enough oil to last an entire year, so that it could be bought in the off-season when it was less expensive. When I visited them in the mid 1980s I noticed the the tanks were gone and I asked them what was up with that. "Oh, we heat with Russian gas now." Note that this was before the fall of the Soviet Union.
How quickly can Germany bring back online their shuttered Nuclear Power Plants ? And can they buy Nuclear generated electricity from France ? Any portable Babcock & Wilcox 'mPower' nuclear units available ? Many US Navy ships use nuclear generators. Does the German fleet do the same ? If so, docking some ships and using them as power plants might help ?
The error in the thinking is that voters will draw the same logical conclusions as you do. When lockdowns came down, Germans voted for a party that favoured lockdowns even more. So, don't expect them to vote now for politicians that criticize this self-inflicted wound. Energy prices have been going up for years, up to 300% - and Germans rated this issue continuously not in their top 5. I don't think this will change things. By the time there are new elections, this will not be an issue anymore.
They may protest, but more that government should 'do' something. Like subsidies or lower energy taxes. Or force someone else to use less.
As a peaceful anarchist who hasn't voted in decades, perhaps I can see a forrest.
If I were a politician, I would try to leave the impression with voters that I am trying to increase supply, rather than "beat" on voters to reduce their demand.
Saw a similar piece about the UK in UnHerd today. What a surprise! 🤡
This is a classic example of modern woke liberals who think they are the only ones that are allowed to punch in a fight. When someone or some country does punch back, they whine about how unfair things are. How stupid were the European leaders to sanction the country that provides a lot of their energy? They thought they were so clever when they carved out an exemption for Russian oil and gas in their numerous sanction regimes. Russia fought back by finding their own clever ways to slowly turn the screws on the flow of energy to Europe, while directing their natural resources to other friendly countries (which is most of the world). This was such as easy thing to see coming. Now the chickens are coming home to roost in liberal Europe.
“Can the German government survive a self-inflicted winter of discontent?”
Let’s hope not. First world Sri Lanka.
What does it tell you about government if it has to prepare for mass demonstrations and unrest when it implements new policies? Do you think those policies are designed to help their citizens?
"Germany allowed itself to become dependent on Russian natural gas exports"
That has been the case for a very long time. In the mid 1960s, my uncle and aunt moved into a newly built quadplex house. It had oil heat, and the basement had a dedicated room full of a whole bunch of 1000 liter oil tanks -- enough oil to last an entire year, so that it could be bought in the off-season when it was less expensive. When I visited them in the mid 1980s I noticed the the tanks were gone and I asked them what was up with that. "Oh, we heat with Russian gas now." Note that this was before the fall of the Soviet Union.
How quickly can Germany bring back online their shuttered Nuclear Power Plants ? And can they buy Nuclear generated electricity from France ? Any portable Babcock & Wilcox 'mPower' nuclear units available ? Many US Navy ships use nuclear generators. Does the German fleet do the same ? If so, docking some ships and using them as power plants might help ?
The error in the thinking is that voters will draw the same logical conclusions as you do. When lockdowns came down, Germans voted for a party that favoured lockdowns even more. So, don't expect them to vote now for politicians that criticize this self-inflicted wound. Energy prices have been going up for years, up to 300% - and Germans rated this issue continuously not in their top 5. I don't think this will change things. By the time there are new elections, this will not be an issue anymore.
They may protest, but more that government should 'do' something. Like subsidies or lower energy taxes. Or force someone else to use less.
Politicians can't see the forrest for the trees.
As a peaceful anarchist who hasn't voted in decades, perhaps I can see a forrest.
If I were a politician, I would try to leave the impression with voters that I am trying to increase supply, rather than "beat" on voters to reduce their demand.
....hopefully this happens to all WEF infiltrated countries..... maybe this is good....