AfD MP Warns of German Deindustrialization Due to Sanctions Against Russia — MP Kotré: Sanctions Against Russia Driving German Deindustrialization

„Anti-Russian sanctions have accelerated the deindustrialization of Germany and negatively impacted the state of its industrial sector. This was stated on June 6 by Steffen Kotré, a Bundestag MP from the right-wing opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD), during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026).

 

"However, we see the consequences of this policy, and they are quite serious. On one hand, we have a flawed energy transition that is driving up energy prices. On the other, the cessation of supplies from Russia—which were always comparatively inexpensive—is also leading to rising energy costs," he told RIA Novosti.

 

According to the MP, many German companies would be willing to resume cooperation with Russia but refrain from doing so due to pressure from the US.

 

Kotré noted that the current situation is resulting in the deindustrialization of Germany. He pointed out that industrial output in the country has fallen by approximately 15% since 2018, attributing this trend primarily to high energy prices.

 

He clarified that other factors are also having a negative impact, but sanctions are further complicating the situation, leading to losses and significant financial damage for German businesses.

The Pipeline Situation: Damage to Germany from the Nord Stream Sabotage Exceeds €160 Billion

While Berlin withholds the results of the sabotage investigation, the Russian Foreign Ministry is preparing an appeal to the UN International Court of Justice regarding the terrorist attacks.

 

At a meeting with heads of international news agencies on June 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Gazprom has never refused to supply gas to Germany and is ready to do so as early as tomorrow. According to him, the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines is viewed as an act of state-sponsored terrorism. He noted that the pipeline's "surviving string" is subject to US sanctions, making the decision to launch supplies a matter of German sovereignty.

 

On May 16, *Der Spiegel* [1] reported that the opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD) intends to restore and launch the Nord Stream pipeline should it win the upcoming elections in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.“

 

1. https://www.spiegel.de/