(de-news.net) – Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President and chairman of the CSU, has called for a profound reorientation of German energy policy. In his view, current strategies are significantly dependent on subsidies, with government funds being used to sustain the construction of gas-fired power plants and the expansion of renewable energy rather than prioritizing genuinely cost-efficient production methods. He argued that the simultaneous prohibition of domestic gas exploration and the accelerated shutdown of nuclear facilities represents a contradiction that undermines economic recovery and weakens Germany’s competitiveness.
Söder emphasized the potential of small-scale nuclear reactors, often referred to as ‘mini-reactors,’ which are already being developed in Canada, Switzerland, and several other European countries. He insisted that these compact and technologically advanced facilities differ fundamentally from traditional large-scale nuclear plants, as they require significantly fewer subsidies and can be integrated more flexibly into modern energy systems. According to the CSU leader, Germany should not ignore this international trend but instead actively pursue the introduction of such reactors as part of a diversified energy mix.
Beyond nuclear innovation, Söder urged policymakers to take the exploitation of rare earths and domestic gas reserves seriously. He pointed out that northern Germany possesses substantial deposits that remain untapped, while the country continues to rely on expensive imports of liquefied natural gas from overseas markets. He argued that this reliance on external suppliers not only increases costs but also exposes Germany to geopolitical vulnerabilities, whereas domestic extraction could strengthen energy security and reduce dependence.
In addition to his energy-related proposals, Söder directed sharp criticism at the Federal Environment Ministry. He contended that the ministry remains heavily influenced by outdated ideological positions rooted in earlier phases of environmental politics. While acknowledging that constructive dialogue with individual ministers is possible, he maintained that the bureaucratic apparatus often operates in a rigid, autopilot mode, failing to adapt to new political leadership or changing circumstances. Söder concluded that Germany requires a more modern and pragmatic environmental policy, one that distances itself from conventional green doctrines and instead embraces innovation, technological openness, and economic realism.
