Merkel’s conservatives call on coal commission to prioritise “thoroughness over speed”

The parliamentary group of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative CDU party has welcomed the first session of the commission tasked with planning the country’s coal exit, but stressed that “thoroughness must come before speed” in the group’s overall approach. CDU climate politician Anja Weisgerber said that people in coal regions must be given attention and time for managing the economic transition from coal mining to other activities, while carrying out the “historic” phase-out of this fossil power source. CDU energy politician Joachim Pfeiffer said a “premature coal exit would be irresponsible, both in terms of climate and of social policy.” Pfeiffer said it was of utmost importance to guarantee supply security and price stability for German power customers. This, he said, overrides any other objectives the commission might have. “The most efficient climate policy is not pursued nationally but rather in a European or global context,” Pfeiffer said.

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