Gas embargo now. The phrase was painted in bold black letters across the activists’ bare torsos as they staged their protest outside the garden area next to Germany’s chancellor. The demonstration came as a broader challenge to the federal government over its stance on Russia’s energy policy, specifically calls for a full embargo on Russian gas amid Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine.
Two women seized the moment to appear during Germany’s open day in Berlin on a sunny Sunday. Reports across the German media describe how they approached the chancellor wearing black hoodies, seeking an on-site inquiry and a chance to take a photo. The image captured soon after showed the two protesters posing for a selfie, somewhat unexpected by the German leader and his security entourage.
Scholz, who appeared unusually composed, witnessed the topless moment be swiftly managed by his security detail. In a flash, the moment was overtaken by the crowd as the two demonstrators tossed money into the air, a stark visual underscoring the political stakes of energy policy in the country.
gas supply pressure
The Berlin sky was bright this Sunday, yet a different kind of chill hung over the city as winter loomed. Germany stands as Europe’s most exposed nation to potential disruptions from Russia, where political leaders have hinted at cutting off the supply of cheap gas that powers German industry and keeps homes heated and lit.
The government’s cautious response to the Moscow pressure is catching the eye of opposition groups that argue for stronger action against Russia. They point to the economic costs borne by Germany and many European neighbors, arguing that a harder stance against Moscow could shield Europe from long-term energy volatility and geopolitical leverage.
Chancellor Scholz sought to reassure the public that the government is pursuing alternatives. He outlined plans to diversify imports, including the development of LNG terminals that would allow gas to arrive by sea. However, the first regasification facility is not expected to be ready until early 2023, and officials acknowledge that additional pathways to reliable gas supply will take time to stabilize. The chancellor emphasized that the state will not abandon its Russian energy ties without a viable and secure substitute—an assertion that continues to shape ongoing political debate and investor sentiment in the period ahead.