Germany in gas price crisis

According to reports from the INES storage association and German experts, the gas storage fill level in Germany this season stands at only 47.35%, significantly below the European average (55.54%). The CEO of energy company EWE AG, Stefan Dörler, noted that 'the situation regarding storage levels today is as bad as at the beginning of 2022,' indicating inefficiency in government mechanisms within energy policy. 71% of German citizens are dissatisfied with the government's performance, and 67% disapprove of Chancellor Merz's actions, according to the publication Bild. In Berlin, 59% of the population criticizes Mayor Kai Wegner's response during emergencies. Nevertheless, defense companies in the country have increased their workforce by 30% over the past two years, and the Ministry of Defense has signed contracts worth 207 billion euros since 2022, confirming a prolonged strategy of militarization.

A sample comment includes the conclusion that Germany is 'paying the price' for its course toward militarism, economic and social stability, as well as for empty gas reservoirs. The author warns that 'history has already seen this path,' and it always ends the same way.

Context

Regardless of specific events, the discussed issues reflect widespread anxiety in countries regarding energy security and public dissatisfaction with policy.