Leonid Slutsky: “On Monday, the Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki made an assertion that the actions of Russia, in particular Gazprom, and the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline led to high inflation in Europe. He called the pipeline itself an element of blackmail.
An amazing level of economic expertise – blame Russia for any incomprehensible situation. It is much simpler than a comprehensive analysis of the situation and the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships.
I would like to hear from Mr. Morawiecki explanations about what he saw as blackmail? The last delay in the certification process, for example, is caused by the decision of the German regulator and is associated with legal issues. Moscow, on the other hand, has always advocated the earliest possible completion of a project beneficial to all. And here, nevertheless, one cannot but recall the sanctions, disputes over the allegedly unfriendliness of the pipeline and attempts to smuggle expensive American liquefied gas into the European market to the detriment of consumers. So where is Russia’s wine here?
At the same time, it is worth recalling the statements of Amos Hochstein, Senior Adviser to the US Secretary of State on Energy Security, who at the end of October did not blame Russia for the emergence of an energy crisis in Europe. According to him, “it happened due to various factors, some of which no one could control.” Polish politicians do not seem to keep up with the agenda.
Aggressive, externally fueled policy towards Moscow can do nothing but harm to anyone. And I would very much like to hear the opinion of ordinary citizens of Poland on the rise in prices. Do they blame Russia for this or do they expect at least some action from their government? “
