Angela Merkel. File photoBERLIN, Jun 8 Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out against the ban on Russian culture in the West, but condemned the political activities of Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko.»No, I wouldn't do that… She did political things that I condemn,” Merkel said, answering a question during an interview shown by the Phoenix TV channel, whether she would invite Netrebko to her house tomorrow, as she did several years ago. “But I must say quite clearly: I don’t think that Russian culture should now be banned,» Merkel added. In early March, the New York Metropolitan Opera announced that Netrebko would not participate in upcoming productions because she had not complied with the requirement to withdraw public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the events in Ukraine. For the same reason, the Bavarian State Opera broke off relations with her. After that, a representative of Netrebko said that the singer decided to take a break from concert activities. networks said it would resume performances at the end of May, first in Europe. She also stated that she is not a member of political parties and does not support any of the Russian political leaders. Currently, her concerts have successfully resumed in the West.
