Not a day goes by without a new proposal for future energy supply in Germany being presented. A selection of the advances this weekend alone: Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder is committed to fracking – of course only in northern Germany. Gesamtmetall boss Stefan Wolf is in favor of the construction of new nuclear power plants. Finance Minister Christian Lindner calls on Economics Minister Robert Habeck to end gas-fired power generation – and recommends nuclear energy.
This cacophony, especially within the traffic light government, must come to an end, otherwise the proposals will become more and more absurd. Chancellor Olaf Scholz must no longer let the debate drag on and is in demand with his policy competence. Because the discussion about the possible extension of the operation of the three nuclear power plants has been going on for weeks now, it should finally be decided. Or at least a fixed point in time for a decision should now be given – around the end of August, when the result of the current stress test for the energy supply is available. Then a relief package should come promptly, and not only in mid-September. Citizens want to know what’s going to happen as soon as possible.
In the case of the Greens in particular, it can be observed that the strict anti-nuclear course is being softened from day to day. It is sensible to allow at least extended operation of the nuclear power plants that are still in operation. In view of the volatile situation in the gas supply, all possible other energy sources should be used this winter. Savings alone will not be enough – for which Germany is also vehemently committed at EU level.
It is no wonder that European partners are getting nervous about the discussion that has been smoldering in Germany for weeks. It also weakens Germany’s position on the international stage if the coalition dispute over the energy supply is not finally ended with the nuclear phase-out as a crucial question – if necessary with a word of authority from the chancellor.