We are witnessing things that were unimaginable less than two years ago, a sudden impoverishment in one of the wealthiest regions in the world, Europe.
The latest comes from Switzerland.
Environment minister Simonetta Sommaruga proposed that the Swiss “turn off the computer when not in use, turn off the lights or take a shower together” to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent, according to the British newspaper The Times.
The alpine country imports 75 percent of its gas from Germany, prompting officials this summer to announce their intention to cut energy consumption by 15 percent from October to the end of March.
As a result, a campaign was launched entitled ‘Energy is limited. Let’s not waste it.’
The campaign is asking people to help prevent the country from experiencing energy shortages before winter by, for example, using less water, turning off electrical appliances and lights when not in use, and lowering heating temperatures.
If the situation does not improve and further shortages occur, the Federal Council could introduce “consumption restrictions, bans, and quota regulations,” according to local reports.
But communal showering seems to have displeased the Swiss, sparking an avalanche of criticism.
In Femina magazine, for example, the editorial denounces the government’s attempt to “manage our private lives down to the smallest details.”
Beyond the anecdote, Switzerland is simply preparing for a terrible situation caused by the poor judgment of European politicians.
It is the perfect storm, and while the number of companies on the brink of bankruptcy is higher than it has been in many decades, the cost of a flood of migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine must be borne. The Ukrainian war machine must continue to be fed.
The result is an unprecedented deterioration in the living standards of the average European.
In the UK, 60 percent of businesses are on the verge of closure due to rising electricity prices.
This is reported by the Make UK think tank, which represents the interests of British industry.
Thirteen percent of British factories have reduced working hours, and seven percent are closing temporarily. Electricity bills are up more than 100% from last year.
In Germany, according to the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, the number of corporate and personal insolvencies rose 26% in August alone compared to the same period last year.
The figure was significantly higher than predicted by German analysts. According to experts, bankruptcies will only increase in the fall.
This is related to the rising cost of production processes, particularly the increase in energy prices.
And the Russian Nord Stream pipeline shutdown promises to have apocalyptic effects – the worst energy crisis in Europe in decades.