Germany's Left Party slams rushed Uniper stake sale amid energy instability
The Left Party in Germany has criticised the federal government’s plans to sell part of its stake in Uniper. The energy giant was nationalised just three and a half years ago during the height of the energy crisis. Now, officials are pushing ahead with a sale despite ongoing market instability. Christian Görke, the Left Party’s financial policy spokesman, questioned the rush to offload Uniper. He argued that selling the company while the energy crisis persists lacks justification. Instead, he urged the government to keep full ownership, ensuring greater control over the market.
Görke pointed out that other EU countries maintain significant state ownership in their energy sectors. This approach, he claimed, helps stabilise prices and secure supply. His comments came as Uniper resumed profit distributions, with €300 million soon heading to the federal budget.
The government is now weighing options for the sale, including a direct transfer to private investors or a stock market listing. The move marks a shift from the 2021 nationalisation, which was meant to protect the company during a period of extreme volatility. The sale of Uniper would reduce state influence over a key energy provider. With profits returning and market conditions still uncertain, critics argue that public ownership remains essential. The government’s next steps will determine whether the company stays under state control or returns to private hands.
