Germany's Friedrich Merz Labels Nuclear Phaseout a 'Serious Strategic Mistake'

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has strongly criticised his country's historic and final exit from nuclear power, labelling it a "serious strategic mistake." In a public statement, the head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) argued that the decision to shut down the last reactors and phase out nuclear energy has weakened Germany's position, making it less competitive and more dependent on energy imports, especially natural gas. This, he contends, was a key lesson from recent energy crises, where the absence of nuclear power as a stable baseload source left the nation more vulnerable to price volatility and supply disruptions.

Merz's criticism centres on the perceived trade-offs of Germany's ambitious Energiewende (energy transition). He argues that by removing a significant source of low-carbon, reliable electricity, the policy has inadvertently increased reliance on fossil fuels and complicated the path to achieving climate targets. His remarks signal a potential political shift, suggesting that a future government led by his party might reconsider the country's stance on nuclear energy, perhaps exploring the development of next-generation reactor technologies or extending the lifespan of remaining plants.

The statement reignites a long-standing and highly divisive debate in German politics and society. While the government and proponents of the phaseout cite safety concerns and a commitment to a renewable-led future, critics like Merz frame the issue in terms of national energy security, industrial competitiveness, and practical climate action. His intervention highlights the ongoing reassessment of energy policies across Europe in the wake of geopolitical shocks, positioning nuclear power as a contentious but pivotal element in the continent's quest for energy independence and decarbonisation.