Schröder and Merkel long insisted Putin was a trustworthy partner, but Germany under Scholz has now been forced to take the side of freedom.
Zahawi, the new Education Secretary, should consider whether the bill as it stands is a sticking plaster.
The front-runner to succeed Merkel has perfected the art of making not having a row, indeed not making a decision, sound reasonable.
It’s critical for it to consult with consumers and industry experts before making big decisions.
Backing traditional industries is very far from the electoral liability that strategists fear.