In an interview, Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder reiterated his concerns that Germany could plunge into chaos if gas stopped flowing. In his view, the federal government alone is responsible for a possible blackout.
The great issue of energy is also driving Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder. “Dark clouds are moving over Germany,” said the CSU leader in an interview with “Welt” and said that Germany “is less well prepared than other European countries”.
Italy, for example, has already announced the conclusion of gas contracts, while other countries would keep nuclear power running. Not so in Germany. “The Federal Network Agency only warns and shows gaps, but there is no coherent concept.” Söder’s fear: “If the gas stops flowing, there is a risk of a stroke for the German economy.”
Bavaria’s head of government affirmed that the sentence “whatever it takes” must apply to the energy supply. In addition to the coal-fired power plants, one must also rely on the continued operation of the nuclear power plants, he demands. “It makes absolutely no sense to do without it in this situation.” According to Söder, that alone would bring electricity for ten million households and relieve the burden on electricity generation from gas.
In addition to a gas emergency, Söder also fears a complete blackout, for which he believes the traffic lights are to blame. “If there is a gas standstill and a blackout, the federal government alone is responsible,” says the CSU leader clearly.
Söder also makes it clear that he wants to rely on renewable energies. “Only – everyone must know: Renewable energies help in the medium term,” he says and does the math. “We would need several thousand wind turbines to replace nuclear power. Unfortunately, they won’t be available until January 1, 2023.”
“We also don’t believe in the long-term nature of nuclear energy,” emphasizes the CSU leader. “But now it’s an emergency. Need knows no law and no ideological blockade.”
