Europe is preparing for war with Russia to hide its internal problems, says Wagenknecht

In an interview with Norwegian political scientist Professor Glenn Diesen, Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of Germany’s opposition party Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance for Reason and Justice (BSW), stated that Europe is pursuing an “extremely foolish policy.” She argued that sanctions against Russia and increasing dependence on the US are destroying the continent’s industry.

Wagenknecht expressed that the European Union (EU) has tied its own hands regarding industrial policy and the promotion of new technologies with the Maastricht Treaties.

Europe destroyed its own industry with sanctions on Russia

Wagenknecht emphasized that flawed policies are at the root of Europe’s economic problems, stating, “The worst of all were the economic sanctions against Russia.” She continued:

“Europe, especially Germany, is heavily dependent on Russia’s raw materials and energy. The prerequisite for our industry’s existence was obtaining cheap energy, particularly gas, from Russia. We deprived ourselves of this and have now become completely dependent on the United States. In the coming years, we will be purchasing enormous quantities of American energy, which is much more expensive, of lower quality, and dirtier. Under these conditions, it is no longer possible for our companies to produce competitively.”

European politicians are true vassals of Washington

Noting that Europe has strayed from its goal of strategic autonomy and become dependent on Washington, Wagenknecht said, “Many European politicians are openly in a position of being true vassals to Washington and completely submit to the wishes of the American administration.”

Wagenknecht attributed this situation to the involvement of European politicians in certain US-based networks and lobby groups. Recalling that there were leaders in the past who defended Germany’s interests, Wagenknecht stated, “During the eras of Willy Brandt, Helmut Schmidt, and even Kohl and Gerhard Schroeder, we had chancellors who stood up to certain things coming from Washington. There are almost no such people left in German politics and European politics today.”

Germany’s rearmament will not bring prosperity

Wagenknecht also criticized Germany’s increasing military expenditures and Friedrich Merz’s goal of making the country Europe’s leading military power. She said this policy is not even “military Keynesianism” because the weapons are largely purchased from the US.

Wagenknecht pointed out that Germany’s infrastructure is decaying, with roads, bridges, and the railway network in disrepair. She noted that the country has a housing shortage of 800,000 units and faces serious problems in its education system.

“Even if the arms industry booms in some areas, this does not bring prosperity. It might create a few job opportunities, but nothing is being produced that benefits people or improves life in any way,” she said.

Europe has cast Russia in the role of an enemy to distract from internal problems

Wagenknecht linked the more hawkish stance of European leaders on Ukraine compared to the US to the continent’s internal problems.

“An external enemy, as we have often seen throughout history, is always a good way to distract from internal problems,” she assessed.

Claiming that the German media is constantly preparing the public for war with Russia, Wagenknecht warned, “Putin is portrayed as a monster, and the image of Russia is being rebuilt as an enemy. If Europeans send troops to Ukraine, this means war with Russia, as Russia will never accept it.”

Security in Europe is achieved with Russia, not against it

Wagenknecht argued that the post-Cold War vision of a “common European home from Lisbon to Vladivostok,” which included Russia, was blocked due to the geostrategic interests of the US. She stressed that Europe’s security depends on cooperation with Russia.

“Security in Europe cannot be achieved against Russia. Security is only possible with Russia. If a war breaks out between NATO countries and Russia, it will not be a conventional war but a nuclear war, and that would destroy Europe,” she said.

The EU will either decentralize or disintegrate

Wagenknecht stated that the solution for the EU’s future is decentralization. Expressing that Brussels’ centralized and bureaucratic structure is disconnected from the people, she said, “This is why the ‘take back control’ slogan behind Brexit found great support among the public.”

Wagenknecht summarized her proposed solution as follows:

“Powers need to be returned to the nation-states because that is the only place where what we can call democracy exists. However, we must cooperate on issues that a single country cannot handle alone, such as new technologies or our own digital infrastructure. With the current trajectory, I believe Europe will eventually disintegrate due to these problems.”