German state election centers on Nord Stream restart, Russia gas ties

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's state election has become a proxy battle over restarting the Nord Stream pipelines, with candidates staking positions on resuming Russian gas flows. The issue is intertwined with the 2022 sabotage attack and Ukraine's gas gift, reflecting a shift in German political discourse toward energy ties with Russia. The outcome could signal broader German policy direction on Nord Stream and Russia sanctions.