By Michael Sauerbier
2000 angry Uckermarkers and a lonely Minister of Economics. Robert Habeck (52, Greens) had a difficult time in Schwedt on Wednesday. Although he guaranteed the future of the PCK refinery, he was booed.
Even before Habeck’s arrival, the mood at Liberation Square was heated. PCK workers came with their families, but also leftists, right-wing extremists and friends of Russia like AfD politician Steffen Kotré.
The demo organizers Konstanze Fischer and Reinhard Simon continued to fuel the anger. “We don’t need a minister who only comes by every few weeks,” exclaimed the ex-theater boss. “If we don’t get the result we want here today, we’ll keep fighting. By all means!”
PCK boss Ralf Schairer tried to smooth things over. He called for all jobs and federal aid to be preserved for the refinery conversion, warning: “We need time and money for this.” But when the minister entered the stage, he was booed. “Greens to the Eastern Front!” read one poster.
Around 2,000 Swedes demonstrated loudly on Wednesday for the preservation of the refinery Photo: Patrick Pleul/dpa
“We got money for upgrading the pipeline from Rostock,” explained Habeck undeterred, “the first oil tanker has already docked.” He renewed his commitment: “We’ll do everything we can to ensure that in the event of an embargo in Schwedt in the years 2023, 24 , 25 oil is refined and your jobs stay safe. The state steps in when Putin’s oil company Rosneft withdraws from the refinery. Until it is economical again.”
But does the federal government guarantee that? Habeck to BZ: “I can give you all that again in writing.”
