The Kremlin has responded to the Alternative for Germany (AfD)’s significant electoral success in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern by claiming that parts of the German electorate are searching for an alternative economic path. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov links public dissatisfaction primarily to the end of cheap Russian energy and the resulting higher gas prices. Meanwhile, Germany’s central bank warns that economic growth has slowed over the summer, while inflation remains high.
This is the Kremlin’s interpretation, however. The election result was also influenced by other issues, including migration, cost of living, internal political disputes, and declining support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Peskov: Germany Lost Access to Cheap Russian Energy
Following the election, the Kremlin argued that the German economy is suffering as a result of severed long-standing energy ties with Russia.
Peskov said that cheap Russian energy resources were one of the foundations of the competitiveness of German industry.
After Germany sharply reduced imports from Russia, it was forced to switch to alternative supplies, including liquefied natural gas.
Moscow claims this transition increased costs for both German households and industry and contributed to rising political discontent.
Bundesbank Confirms Economic Slowdown
In its September assessment, Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, stated that economic growth weakened over the summer.
Negative factors included sluggish exports, subdued consumer spending, and problems in several industrial sectors.
Inflation reached approximately 2.9 percent in August, and the Bundesbank expects it to remain elevated in the coming period.
Main risks include energy prices, low gas reserves, and higher fuel costs.
Gas Prices on the Rise Again Across Europe
The energy situation is an issue not just for Germany, but for much of Europe.
European gas storage levels are considerably lower than usual for this time of year, while energy prices have been pushed higher by tensions in the Middle East and fears of further supply disruptions.
High gas prices are a particular problem for Germany’s energy-intensive industries.
Automakers, chemical companies, steel producers, and construction material manufacturers have all faced sustained pressure from rising costs and weaker global demand in recent years.
Political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz increased substantially after the CDU’s previous electoral defeat, for which he accepted responsibility but refused to resign.
AfD Wins in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The Kremlin responded immediately after the regional elections, in which AfD won the most votes.
The CDU, led by Chancellor Merz, recorded its weakest result ever in the region and failed to enter the state parliament.
The result has increased pressure on the federal government, which must address economic stagnation, high energy prices, and growing dissatisfaction among sections of the public.
AfD has long advocated restoring economic and energy ties with Russia and criticized the sanctions imposed on Moscow.
Talks About Russian Gas Reportedly Underway
According to media reports, AfD representatives are preparing to initiate contacts with Russian officials about a possible resumption of energy supplies in the future.
A potential meeting is rumored between AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla and Kirill Dmitriev, a prominent economic figure close to Vladimir Putin.
Such talks alone would not be sufficient to restart imports of Russian gas to Germany.
AfD is not part of the federal government, and any change in energy policy would depend on decisions in Berlin, European sanctions, the technical state of infrastructure, and the broader security situation.
Nord Stream Remains a Sensitive Issue
For years, Russian gas flowed to Germany via the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic Sea.
Operations halted almost entirely after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent explosions on the pipelines in 2022.
Some German politicians, including AfD, continue to support the idea of reviving Russian gas imports in the future.
Opponents argue that returning to heavy dependence on Russia would again pose a strategic security risk.
Merz Government Prepares Relief on Energy and Fuel
The German government is meanwhile trying to ease the burden of high prices on households.
The cabinet is preparing a tax cut for petrol and diesel, intended to lower fuel prices by approximately €0.17 per litre starting in October.
A dispute continues within the government over whether energy firms should pay a windfall tax on their increased profits.
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Germany’s economic outlook remains a central focus in domestic debates. High energy prices, slower growth, and industrial pressure are fueling voter discontent—benefiting mainly opposition parties.
The Kremlin continues to use these trends to argue for renewed energy relations with Russia. However, the future direction of German energy policy will be decided in Berlin and Brussels, not Moscow.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
