The head of the German Trade Union Confederation, Jasmine Fahimi, told Bild am newspaper that due to gas shortages, “entire industries are in constant danger of collapse: the aluminum, glass and chemical industries,” noting that “such a collapse would have serious consequences for the entire economy.” and jobs.” In Germany”.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said, according to a Bloomberg report, that Germany must be prepared for a further shortage of Russian gas supplies because Russian President Vladimir Putin is adopting a deliberate strategy of raising prices in an attempt to undermine the European market. unity.

He clarified: “We are not dealing with random decisions, but rather with an economic war, completely conscious and very clear,” noting that “after a 60 percent gas shutdown, it is logical that a new reduction will follow.”

Habeck pointed out that “German utilities are at risk of consecutive failures, which may require the activation of a legal clause allowing them to skip price increases outside of contractual obligations.”

German leaders are stepping up their warnings of impending unrest and shortages of natural gas supplies in Europe’s largest economy, which depends on Russia for about a third of its energy resources. Russia has gradually cut supplies after European countries imposed sanctions in response to the military operation in Ukraine.