Germany may end anti-nuclear policy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The continuing disruption of Russian oil supplies to Europe has prompted Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to openly question her country's commitment to stop using nuclear power by the early 2020s.
In a television interview yesterday, Mrs Merkel said the stoppages served as a warning about becoming too dependent on single energy sources. Russia supplies Germany with 20 per cent of its oil. "We have to save energy, we have to develop sources of renewable energy," she said. "And of course we have to consider what consequences there will be if we shut down nuclear power stations."
It was the first time the conservative Chancellor has questioned Germany's pledge to phase out the country's 17 nuclear power plants since she became head of a coalition government of conservative Christian Democrats and Social Democrats in 2005.
The anti-nuclear policy was agreed by former chancellor Gerhard Schröder's coalition of Social Democrats and Greens in 2000 and has been a key element in Germany's drive to develop alternative energy sources. The policy has been dismissed by the nuclear lobby and conservatives as "pure ideology".
Yesterday Social Democrats tried to quash any notion that Germany plans to end its anti-nuclear stance. Ulrich Kleiber, the SPD deputy parliamentary leader, said: "Somebody who uses oil supply bottlenecks as an argument in favour of nuclear energy isn't capable of grasping the issue."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments