In order to relieve citizens financially from the skyrocketing petrol prices, the prime minister demanded an “absolute brake on energy prices” as soon as possible.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin In order to secure the energy supply despite the war in Ukraine, Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder is calling for the lifetimes of nuclear power plants to be extended by several years. “Of course, an extension would be technically possible. It’s a question of whether you want it politically,” said the CSU chairman on Monday in ZDF’s “Morgenmagazin”. “But I think that for three to five years that would simply be a good transition in this emergency situation in order to produce cheap electricity that at the same time does not have any impact on the climate.” This would be the “right approach” now.
Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Michael Kellner said on the show that the government is examining “all options” for precautionary measures for next winter. “However, I don’t see how nuclear power plants can help for the next winter, because they also need fuel, which is not easy to get either.”
The government sees “little chances of success” here. However, coal-fired power plants will be kept in reserve for all eventualities. At the same time, the Green politician pointed out that Germany wanted to phase out coal by 2030 if possible. Therefore, one should “massively accelerate the expansion of renewable energies and get out of coal sooner”.
In order to relieve citizens financially from the skyrocketing petrol prices, the prime minister demanded an “absolute brake on energy prices” as soon as possible. “That’s why VAT should be reduced as much as possible, and maybe even reduced to zero with the approval of the European Union.” This would save up to 20 percent in the price of petrol. “We have to think about everything now. Old certainties and old rules need to be readjusted.”
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Söder renewed the Union’s request to the federal government to set up a security council with the participation of the federal states in view of the refugees coming to Germany. That should happen this week.
“It is important that the whole thing is coordinated in Germany,” said Söder. You need a “national strategy” and coordination among the states and with the federal government. Financial support from the federal government is also needed for the municipalities.
More: The federal government wants to spend 200 billion euros on climate protection and energy security