Mumbai

The nuclear disaster in Japan has changed people’s attitudes towards nuclear power in Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel has decided to take seven old nuclear power plants off the grid. Others are being inspected. For Baden-Württemberg’s Minister President Stefan Mappus the newest debate could mean the end of his career for state elections are coming soon.

There has been a dispute over the use of nuclear power in Germany for many years. There are many opponents, but just as many supporters. Yet, following the huge nuclear disaster in Japan, opinions are changing, also in politics and on Facebook profiles. Nuclear power is 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-Württemberg on 27 March. 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.

Now, Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted to the disaster. All nuclear power plants in Germany will be inspected and seven of them were now 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 45 kilometre-long human chain that ranged from Neckarwestheim to Stuttgart, one of Mumbai’s twin cities, was certainly symbolic.

Then, yesterday 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-Württemberg for 57 years. The only question is how much longer?