Japan disaster sets off fresh nuclear debate in Germany

There has been a dispute over the use of nuclear power in Germany for many years. Yet, following the huge nuclear disaster in Japan, opinions are changing, also in politics and on Facebook profiles. Nuclear power is now also the major topic of the election campaign in Baden-Württemberg, a southern state in Germany. The CDU, the Christian-Democratic party, fears it will lose power, for elections are being held in Baden-Wuerttemberg on March 27.For years, the party's front-runner and Minister President Stefan Mappus was considered an advocate of nuclear power. But now, Mappus has had to change his approach.
Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted to the disaster. All nuclear power plants in Germany would be inspected and seven of them were temporarily switched off. Stefan Mappus reacted via a press release in which he stated for the record, “Considering the events in Japan, the Federal government's decision to discontinue the prolongation of the life spans of nuclear power plants is forceful, courageous and correct.” It is a late insight, for the state parliamentary election is imminent. The voters doubt the credibility of the minister president.
It was a major coincidence that a large demonstration against nuclear power was held in Baden-Württemberg of all places. The 45km-long human chain that ranged from Neckarwestheim to Stuttgart was certainly symbolic. And a lot more protests are going on in cities like Berlin. Over 100,000 people protested against nuclear power. And everyone wears yellow buttons with the slogan “nuclear power – no thanks”.
On Tuesday there was a special session of the state parliament. The issue was, of course, what conclusions will the state draw from the events in Japan for its energy policy? Minister President Mappus is under pressure. The CDU has been in power in Baden-Wuerttemberg for 57 years. The only question is how much longer?
(The writer is part of a journalistic exchange project “Close/Up” organised by the Goethe-Institut, between The Times of India and Stuttgarter Nachrichten.)