Former German Economy Minister Habeck criticizes Western diesel reserve releases as aid to Trump and warns of AfD security risks
Former German Economy Minister Robert Habeck criticized Western governments for releasing diesel from strategic reserves ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, arguing that the move helped President Donald Trump politically despite his opposition to the administration’s policies.
“Two weeks ago, Western countries released some diesel fuel from their reserves, helping Donald Trump win the midterm elections,” Habeck said. “I don’t understand that. In my opinion, this is completely the wrong path.”
“What Donald Trump is doing is wrong, and we should not be helping him,” he added.
His criticism comes amid pressure on global fuel supplies and prices caused by the Middle East conflict. Governments have used emergency reserves to ease market disruptions, although Habeck framed the decision as political assistance to Trump rather than simply an energy-security measure.
Habeck also raised concerns about the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining control of a state government, warning that access to classified information could create security risks.
Referring to Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD emerged as the largest party in September’s state election, Habeck warned that a possible AfD-led administration could gain access to sensitive intelligence.
“This could easily lead to sensitive information being leaked, for example, to Russia,” he said.
The AfD won 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6 but fell short of an absolute majority, leaving government formation dependent on coalition negotiations.
German security officials have already examined ways to protect classified material if the AfD enters government. Their concerns include intelligence relating to Russia, domestic security investigations and information shared by Germany’s international partners.
The AfD has rejected allegations that its participation in government would compromise national security, arguing that restricting its access to information on the basis of unproven suspicions would be undemocratic.