In view of the looming energy crisis, CDU leader Friedrich Merz is calling for a quick decision by the Bundestag for longer operating times for German nuclear power plants. The Union is expressly ready to quickly bring about the corresponding changes in the law, said the head of the Union faction after a visit to the Isar 2 nuclear power plant near Landshut in Bavaria. "The operation of the nuclear power plant is technically, personally and legally possible." Now it has to be decided whether this is also politically possible.
Merz emphasized that the Union was also ready to meet at short notice for a special session of the Bundestag for a quick decision. Otherwise, there will only be another session of the Bundestag in about five weeks. "We could make decisions at this point in time" that would make continued operation possible beyond the turn of the year 2023/2024. "I call on the federal government to exhaust all possibilities."
We don't want to go back to the old nuclear energy, but given the current situation "on our own responsibility" it is important not to aggravate the problems, said Merz.
CSU boss Markus Söder said there was no time to tactic. Action must be taken. Germany would benefit just as much as Bavaria from an extension of the Isar 2 duration, said the Bavarian Prime Minister. Around 12 percent of the electricity would remain in Bavaria, the rest would be delivered throughout Germany. It is therefore a "reasonable and good solution" to continue operating the three remaining German nuclear reactors. But it is not just about three months in the new year, the reactors must continue to run at least until 2024. New fuel rods would have to be procured for this. Merz said this is possible even without Russia's involvement.
