Former Energy Secretary Patrick Graichen Denies Bias in Nuclear Phase-Out Decisions

A Bundestag inquiry examines whether Germany's nuclear phase-out was ideologically driven, with Graichen defending the government's approach as open and evidence-based.

Patrick Graichen, former Energy State Secretary, rejected allegations that the government’s nuclear phase-out decisions were ideologically motivated during a Bundestag inquiry.
Opposition parties, particularly the CDU, claim the Ministry of Economics and Climate Action under Robert Habeck did not impartially consider extending nuclear plant operations after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Graichen argued that the decision to extend nuclear plant operations by a few months was based on minimal contributions to energy security, not ideological bias.
The German government delayed the nuclear phase-out from December 31, 2022, to April 15, 2023, citing the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and gas supply issues.
The inquiry will continue in January, with plans to question key figures, including Robert Habeck and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, about the decision-making process.