So does Merkel himself agree with this view of the federal government?
Merkel has avoided comments on current politics since his retirement. However, whenever he appears, no matter what event he attends, media questions can never avoid their views on Russia's policy. But on Thursday, she responded to her energy policy rare on Thursday when she attended a press conference in the Portuguese capital Lisbon .
Merkel said: "With the plan to eliminate coal and nuclear power, natural gas is a necessary over-excess. Purchasing Russian natural gas is very rational and easy to understand. This is cheaper than liquefied gas from the United States, Saudi and Qatar ."
In addition, Merkel also mentioned that Russia was a reliable energy supplier even during the Cold War . Although she never believed that trade would bring about change, trade could bring about connections. "From this perspective, I don't regret any decision at all. I believe that from the perspective of the time, this was the right approach."
Of course, Merkel also added: "Russia's barbaric attack on Ukraine changed the situation, it was a turning point, and it was a problem that the new government had to deal with."
