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Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig
Photo: IMAGO/Political Moments
When the political entanglements in the construction of the Russian-German Baltic Sea pipeline "Nord Stream 2" became known, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig came under increasing criticism.
But the SPD politician wants to continue in her position as head of government, regardless of the allegations.
»Six months ago there was a state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
And the citizens confirmed me in my office with a large majority, with a strong vote of the citizens," said Schwesig on the sidelines of a meeting with her northern German counterparts in Kiel.
"That's why the people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can also rely on me to continue to live up to this expectation and trust of the citizens."
For weeks, Schwesig has been criticized for her pro-Russian actions.
The focus is on support for the construction of the Russian-German Baltic Sea pipeline "Nord Stream 2" and the establishment of a foundation with the help of which the completion of the pipeline was supported while circumventing US sanctions.
Questionable climate foundation
The foundation set up by the state in early 2021 was intended to promote climate projects, but above all it had an economic part managed by Nord Stream, which supported the completion of the gas pipeline while circumventing US sanctions.
As recently published documents show, Nord Stream 2 AG, with the Russian state-owned company Gazprom as the majority shareholder, was directly involved in the preparations for the foundation.
Schwesig defended the Baltic Sea pipeline as one of the largest infrastructure projects in recent years.
»It is absolutely clear that a state government and also the Prime Minister are holding talks with investors.
Always in the interest of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania," said the head of government in Schwerin.
It was about economic power, jobs in the country, the interests of the ports and the energy supply of the future.
Top politicians from the Greens called for a systematic review of all contacts between the government in Schwerin and the Gazprom subsidiary.
The CDU foreign expert Norbert Röttgen suggested that Schwesig resign if media reports about close ties with Nord Stream 2 were correct.
mrc/dpa
