Hard hands, Germany's ruled out the coverage of citizen bills

The increase in fuel costs caused by Russia's war against Ukraine has brought a severe financial strain on many people in Germany and beyond, raising concerns about a possible winter of discontent.

“We are preparing for the difficult situation and will help citizens and businesses manage this difficult situation”, Scholzi told reporters during his annual summer press conference in Berlin. He cited numerous measures the government has already approved to ease financial difficulties for residents and provide alternative energy supplies to replace oil, coal and Russian gas.

Asked if he was afraid that disappointment could be filled in violent protests, Scholz replied: “I don't think there would be unrest in this country”. He cited Germany's strong social welfare tradition. But the Chancellor acknowledged there would be “too many demands” during the winter, as the country tries to reconcile energy shortages with past plans to give up on using nuclear energy and fossil fuels.

The German government has given utility companies a green light to reactivate closed oil and coal thermal power plants as part of efforts to reduce the country's dependence on Russian natural gas.