Scholz accuses Russia of 'blackmailing' gas pipeline closures

“However, we are also prepared to act at the national level first because we are going to lighten the burden,” he said. Friedrich Merz, leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, speaks in front of Scholz, accusing the Scholz government of mismanagement of energy and security crisis. “Your government lacks a compass,” Mertz said. “Equally on economic policy, this administration lacks the ability to think politically and strategically.” Scholz countered that critics were inciting civil unrest, calling it a “poison to us” country at this time.” “Citizens are not naive,” Scholz said. “But the federal government is doing everything it can to ensure citizens and our companies get through this difficult time.”