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3w ago

Germany's CDU Faces Internal Rift Over Russia Sanctions Stance

Coalition talks with SPD intensify as CDU leader Friedrich Merz faces pressure to address divisions and clarify position on sanctions and energy policy.

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Grünen-Fraktionschefin Britta Haßelmann
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Overview

  • CDU Vice Chairman Michael Kretschmer's call to reconsider Russia sanctions has drawn criticism from Green Party leaders and CDU members, highlighting internal divisions.
  • Green Party co-leader Britta Haßelmann accused Kretschmer of aligning with Russia and demanded CDU leader Friedrich Merz address alleged 'Moscow-Connection' within the party.
  • CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter opposed easing sanctions, warning against repeating past mistakes and calling for the exclusion of pro-Russia policies in the coalition agreement.
  • SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil reaffirmed the party's commitment to energy independence and rejected any discussion of resuming Russian gas imports or reactivating Nord Stream 2.
  • The ongoing debate over sanctions and energy ties with Russia has become a focal point in shaping the CDU-SPD coalition agreement, with broader implications for Germany's foreign policy.