Fears of social upheaval are growing in Germany amid uncertainty over Russian gas supplies, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned in an interview with Handelsblatt that radical elements could organize protests.

"Of course, there is a danger that those who already shouted their contempt for democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, often acting side by side with right-wing extremists, will try to use soaring prices as a new reason to increase activity," DW reported.

According to her, populists and radicals have used every crisis to instill fear and discord, as well as to incite hatred and threats. However, the head of the Interior Ministry notes that the security authorities are very closely monitoring the manifestations of extremism.

At the same time, she said that moderate political forces should not fuel the fears of those who will be particularly hard hit by rising prices. She called responsible social policy a prerequisite for the cohesion of our society as well as for the protection of internal security.

The Nord Stream pipeline has been shut off from Russian gas deliveries to Germany since 11 July because of repair work. It remains unclear whether Russia will be able to resume supplies once the repairs are complete. In mid-June, Gazprom already severely curtailed gas supplies through the Baltic pipeline, citing a turbine malfunction.