Presented first at the Monday protest rally of 400 citizens of the city of Waren, Mecklenburg, on Oct. 24, an open letter to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and to Mecklenburg Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig addresses the threat of inflation and energy supply uncertainty leading to an economic depression in 2023. The letter was drafted and approved by the City Council and Mayor of Waren (pop. 21,000) before that rally—it was, according to sources, inspired by the Stralsund Open Letter, but leaves out the general political picture, probably to have the support of the entire Council, and instead emphasizes the precarious economic situation. Excerpts follow:
“Dear Chancellor Scholz, Dear Prime Minister Schwesig,
“As political representatives at the municipal level, we look at the current political and economic situation in our city and our region. The increasing price rises and the growing uncertainty of the supply of energy are reasons for our concerns.… The worsening situation is leaving many citizens with great worries. An optimistic view of the future is becoming increasingly difficult.
“Many companies fear for their existence and for their economic economic basis, and thus also for our city and region.… The imminent danger of recession in the coming year requires
unbureaucratic assistance for citizens, businesses and municipalities and swift, national action to secure the energy supply situation in Germany….
“We are calling on our Federal and state government to to implement the following points as quickly as possible:
“1) Creation of affordable prices for energy and food. Reduction of taxes on energy—uncompromisingly and immediately!
