[MrGilbert]

I think what is important to keep in mind: Merz is on the conservative, pro-economy side of the conservative party, whereas Merkel is not. She has a background in science. She never liked Merz.

[codingbot3000]

Merkel dumped nuclear after Fukushima simply to improve her electoral calculus. As in everything she did, there were no long-term concerns. Yet to her defence it has to be stated that nuclear energy in Germany was just not economically feasible anymore at that time (when gas was still cheap, wind and sun cheaper, and burning coal was not yet frowned upon). Also, Germany had shut down their own uranium mining long ago.

[mamonster]

That move reminds me of Cameron promising the Brexit referendum to placate Eurosceptics because he thought it would never happen.

[adamors]

But Merkel AFAIR never claimed this decision was based on any science but on popular demand and public feeling after Fukushima.

[waschl]

That is correct. Before the nuclear exit due to Fukushima panic her government actually reverted the exit of the former government.

[authorfallacy]

I did physics in middle school. I am always right, I have a background in science