According to the German Times Weekly report on August 31, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs recently exposed an "explosive scandal". Two senior officials involved in the formulation of energy policies were accused of "engaging in espionage for Russia" on the grounds that th

( Observer Network ) "Has the German government been infiltrated by Russia?" According to the German Times Weekly report on August 31, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs recently exposed an "explosive scandal". Two senior officials involved in the formulation of energy policies were accused of "engaging in espionage for Russia" on the grounds that they showed a "pro-Russian stance" in German government documents and internal discussions.

The Federal Bureau of Constitutional Security (BfV), which is responsible for German domestic intelligence, has now intervened in the investigation. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence to prove the allegations.

Screenshot of the German Times Weekly report

Report said that the two senior officials held key positions in Germany's energy supply, and they were suspected because they made remarks that "agree with Russia's views" in the proposal for gas and energy policies.

Earlier this year, German Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic and Climate Protection Habek took the initiative to contact the Constitutional Defense Agency. They said that there were unusual content in internal documents on the filling level of the natural gas pipeline of " Nord Stream-2" and the German gas storage facilities, as well as reports on the safety of Germany's supply, and that there was a "pro-Russian view" in many documents that did not conform to the official political line of the German government.

consultants also said that during discussions on winter gas supply, the two senior officials also criticized the German government's energy policy in response to Germany's decision to suspend the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project. Habek and other German cabinet ministers have been stressing the need to “get rid of their dependence on Russia’s energy” over the past few months, so these remarks are considered “a clear departure from the minister’s position.”

The Constitutional Security Bureau, which is responsible for counter-espionage work, immediately launched an investigation into two senior officials of the Ministry of Economic Affairs involved, but there is currently no conclusive evidence that these officials are involved in "espionage activities". The preliminary investigation only found that one of the officials had visited Russia and had "close in love" with the country, the report said.

Although there is no decent evidence to support the charge, the case has sparked controversy within Germany. The Time Weekly pointed out that many Berlin political elites have friendly relations with Russia, and "intimate relations" cannot be used as conclusive evidence for "engaging in espionage activities."

But another view in Germany claims that the German Ministry of Economic Affairs has maintained good relations with Moscow for a long time in the past. Because former Minister of Economic Affairs Artemier attaches great importance to the "Northern Stream-2" natural gas pipeline project jointly conducted by Germany and Russia, many senior officials of the Ministry of Economic Affairs may have a certain degree of "oriental tendency", so the possibility of "pro-Russian officials" in the Ministry of Economic Affairs cannot be ruled out.

Against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Russia and Western countries , this incident pushed the German Ministry of Economic Affairs to the forefront. As two officials suffer suspicion, Minister of Economic and Climate Protection Habeck needs to be careful about how to deal with the two; but on the other hand, the opposition may also take the opportunity to criticize Habeck, accusing him of trying to "suppress critics within the department."

Data picture: German Vice Premier and Minister of Economic and Climate Protection Habek pictured from The Paper Image

However, regardless of the result of the "spy suspicion", this scandal surrounding the German Ministry of Economic Affairs will bring an "explosive" impact on German politics.

The Times Weekly pointed out that if the "espionage" is confirmed, the German government will undoubtedly face a "major failure" because it proves that Russia has the ability to lay "hidden stakes" in Germany's most important government departments; if suspicion cannot be proved in the end, the case will become a shame for Habek, who must try to explain why senior officials are charged and investigated for no reason.

At present, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs refused to discuss the specific situation of the case. A spokesperson for the department only responded, "We have always coordinated closely with the Federal Constitutional Security Bureau to follow up on all clues related to security issues, and implement any necessary measures without delay under the coordination of the Constitutional Security Bureau."

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