The article is reproduced from Niu Danqin (ID: bullpiano) with authorization by Niu Danqin
In the past, one impression of the West was that the air conditioning in the office was particularly adequate. It’s cool enough in summer, you can’t stand the cold without wearing clothes; It’s hot enough in winter, and you can wear short sleeves without feeling cold.
But an energy crisis has changed the dress of Europeans, especially European politicians.
In any case, in the German Parliament, many officials and members of parliament wear coats and down jackets to work – they don’t take off their coats when they arrive at the office, but wear them all the time. Even so, these politicians who are used to being warm indoors still complain that it is too cold.
How cold is it?
Looking at the statements and photos of the German media, German Finance Minister Lindner is no longer a suit and leather shoes, but a black turtleneck sweater under a suit coat, which makes him feel warmer.
German Minister of Housing, Urban Development and Construction Gavitz dared not take off his overcoat in the house and always wore a large scarf. The Greens MP Jonathan was also wrapped in a scarf with his collar up.
In any case, even in the German Parliament, for some members of parliament, scarves are standard, overcoats can be taken off without taking off, and suits and professional suits, go to hell in the cold.
Prime Minister Schultz tried to keep his demeanor, while other members of parliament wanted more temperature.
Even so, he could not help complaining: “I was sitting in the office in a down jacket and kept walking back and forth, but soon my nose was still cold.”
Why is it so cold?
There are some heating equipment failures, but the more important reason is the energy crisis. In order to save natural gas, Germany ordered to reduce the heating temperature in winter. According to the new regulations of the German government, the indoor heating temperature in Germany should not be higher than 19 ? this winter.
19 degrees. It’s not cold in many parts of the world. But for Westerners, who are used to the warmth of winter indoors, this is a nightmare.
So Jonathan tweeted and complained: “I’m sitting in the office, wearing my coat, drinking the third cup of hot water – to warm my hands. I doubt whether it’s 19 degrees. Next week I’ll come with a blanket, hot water bag and hat.”
Don’t forget, Trinaster is still a member of the Green Party. She can’t help complaining. What will happen to Germany?
Some German students mocked her and said, “Our school has experienced this for the third winter. Who cares? Politicians don’t know… The lowest temperature in our classroom last year was 13 degrees. 19 degrees is our dream.”
Germany is particularly cold in winter, and France is not much better.
Ma Kelong, who always wears suits and leather shoes, has also changed his clothes recently. In order to save gas and electricity, the French are also calling for more clothes to keep warm. As a result, on many occasions recently, Makron has stopped wearing shirts and ties and has taken the lead in wearing turtlenecks.
What makes Europeans especially angry is that Europe is suffering from the consequences of the Ukraine crisis. Russia has cut off the supply of natural gas to Europe, but the United States sells natural gas to Europe at three or four times the price. An American LNG ship can earn 100 million dollars in Europe, so that Makron can’t help but curse, “This is not the essence of friendship”.
Not long ago, German Prime Minister Schultz also lamented that the good days in the West are gone forever – the good days of “stable growth, low inflation and high employment rate” have become a thing of the past.
But even worse may lie ahead. As predicted by The Economist, 79000 to 18000 people in Europe may freeze to death this winter, exceeding the direct death toll caused by the Russian Ukrainian conflict. Moreover, this energy crisis may last for many years.
A fire at the city gate will bring disaster to the fish in the pond. Most of the time, I’m more afraid of a knife in the back. It must be said that in this terrible world, Europe has become the biggest enemy.