No possibility of violent protests over energy prices: German intelligence

Berlin: Germany's domestic intelligence agency said that there is no possibility of a large-scale violent protest in the country over rising energy prices. Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) president Thomas Haldenwang said that currently there are no signs of violent mass riots.

The European nation is experiencing high energy prices due to the war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Haldenwang added that the BfV is closely watching if legitimate protests were being hijacked by anti-democratic forces.

Last month, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke of the possibility of "popular uprisings" over gas shortages. She later retracted her statement. Sociologist Piotr Kocyba, on the other hand, said he is expecting a violent wave of protests to emerge in the autumn due to high inflation and the energy crisis.

Haldenwang said some of these rumours are linked to the spread of Russian propaganda. Part of the right-wing extremist scene is adopting slogans from Moscow. He further observed that it is remarkable how right-wing extremists are uncritically "singing Putin's song".

Since the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is not looking like nearing an end, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Germany will support Ukraine in the years to come if necessary.

She said that Germany, unfortunately, has to assume that Ukraine still needs new heavy weapons from its friends next summer. The politician was hinting that the war may continue till then. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin was delusional to think that Ukraine will fall within a few weeks and warned that the war "could go on for years".

Baerbock clarified that Germany is willing to back Ukraine financially and militarily. "Ukraine is also defending our freedom, our peace. And we support them financially and militarily - and for as long as it is necessary. Full stop."

Speaking about the controversial region Crimean Peninsula, she said Crimea also belongs to Ukraine. Russia illegally annexed the Peninsula in 2014. Baerbock said the annexation was against international law and the world never recognised Moscow's claim.

She noted that the war has affected energy availability and prices in Germany. The minister warned Germans to not allow for fatigue to set in six months because people are now feeling the consequences of Putin's energy war in their own pockets. The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, and has affected the global supply chain and import of fuel and food items.

Baerbock further said the social division of Europe is part of Putin's warfare and people must prevent it. "It will be a rocky road but it is part of our political responsibility to cushion the social imbalances resulting from high energy prices."

Some German politicians have been demanding Berlin approve the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline to allow for a greater volume of Russian gas deliveries. This will allow the impending gas crisis in the country to avert before it hits. Baerbock rejected the demand as it supports Moscow.