SPD leader Esken rejects FDP demand for longer nuclear lifespans

Berlin The Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, has clearly rejected the FDP’s call for the three nuclear power plants that are still in production to continue operating until 2024. “Liberals and conservatives have already burned their fingers on the subject,” Esken told the Handelsblatt, referring to the decision to phase out nuclear power and the associated billions in compensation payments to the electricity companies. “I can’t understand why they want to repeat this mistake.”

Esken ruled out that there could be movement on the subject again. “We assume responsibility by implementing the stress test results and guaranteeing grid stability and security of supply.” And that’s why it’s right to leave two nuclear power plants in reserve in winter. “But there will be no extension of the terms with the procurement of new fuel elements.”