Habeck über Putin: ”Dann wären wir am A*sch gewesen!” 😨

Overview

Maurice Höfgen reviews an interview with former German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, focusing on energy policy, Germany’s dependence on Russian gas, and lessons for progressive politics.

Energy Dependence and Past Decisions

Habeck says German governments underestimated the geopolitical risks of treating energy infrastructure as a purely economic matter. Höfgen criticizes the Merkel-era decision to sell Rehden, Germany’s largest gas-storage facility, to a Gazprom subsidiary. The facility was largely empty when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Germany and some European allies also proceeded with Nord Stream 2 despite warnings that it could make the country vulnerable to Russian pressure.

Habeck’s Account of the Gas Crisis

Habeck says he resisted sanctioning Russian gas during the first six months of the war because storage levels were low. He feared shortages, industrial shutdowns, and homes going without heat. Russia did not cut off gas until September 2022, and Habeck wonders why Putin did not do so earlier, when Germany would have been in a much worse position.

Germany used the intervening months to buy expensive replacement gas. This contributed to economic and inflationary pressures but helped avert a more severe shortage.

Höfgen’s Disagreement About Financing Russia’s War

Höfgen recalls Habeck’s earlier argument that an immediate gas embargo would be difficult because pipeline infrastructure and physical supply could not simply be replaced. However, he disputes the claim that gas payments directly financed Russia’s military effort.

Höfgen argues that Russia could fund domestic spending in rubles, while the euro reserves it accumulated from exports were later frozen. He says this distinction matters when assessing the rationale for an embargo.

Ongoing Energy Risks

Höfgen argues that Germany’s energy choices should account for security as well as price. He warns that treating renewables mainly as a cost—and limiting their expansion because grids have not kept pace—may preserve dependence on gas.

He also raises concerns about reliance on U.S. LNG. He speculates that a future Trump–Putin arrangement could put pressure on Europe to resume buying Russian gas, presenting this as a risk to prepare for rather than an established outcome.

Gas Storage and Infrastructure

Höfgen reports that German gas storage was at 61.7%, well below the roughly 90% average for the same point in 2017–2021. He attributes the shortfall partly to high summer prices, which discouraged buyers from filling storage. The government had tasked the state-run energy company SEFE with buying more gas.

He also discusses the vulnerability of energy infrastructure, including the Nord Stream pipeline attacks and the difficulty of monitoring sailing vessels, while cautioning against speculation.

Political Lessons

Höfgen notes that Habeck’s popularity rose sharply after the invasion, when he was seen as pragmatic and effective in securing energy supplies, including by keeping coal plants available. He contrasts that image with the later backlash around heating policy.

Höfgen argues that progressives should avoid dismissing voters’ material concerns. For example, he criticizes left-wing and Green voices for mocking support for fuel relief and telling people to take public transport. He says such responses reinforce stereotypes and alienate economically frustrated voters. Instead, he advocates addressing economic insecurity and reclaiming symbolic politics to build progressive majorities.

Presenters and Contributors

• Maurice Höfgen: Presenter and commentator
• Robert Habeck: Interviewee
• Jan Schipmann: Interviewer