New Gas Power Plants: Is Katherina Reiche Torpedoing Climate Protection?

Germany's parliament is poised to pass legislation permitting the construction of new gas power plants, a decision drawing criticism for potentially undermining climate goals. The proposed law, backed by the ruling coalition, aims to secure the nation's energy supply. However, Federal Minister Katherina Reiche faces scrutiny over broader energy policies. These include proposals to prolong the installation of oil and gas heating systems and decrease support for heat pumps. Additionally, a long-term liquefied gas supply agreement has been secured, extending beyond 2045, the year Germany aims to achieve climate neutrality.

Critics question whether these measures represent a significant setback for climate protection efforts or if the new gas power plants are indeed essential for energy security. Marlies Uken, deputy head of ZEIT's economics desk, provides analysis on this debate.

The article also reports on recent attacks against reporters during protests in Erfurt. Several journalists covering demonstrations against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party were assaulted. Specific incidents targeted reporters from "Junge Freiheit" and "Apollo News," with one video showing Apollo News journalists being pursued and one being kicked in the head. Another group of journalists was reportedly hit and injured by beer bottles.

The German Journalists' Association issued a statement condemning "violent assaults on journalists of any medium." A spokesperson for the "Widersetzen" action alliance stated, "Fascists with press passes are still fascists." ZEIT's domestic policy expert, Christian Parth, investigates the implications of such statements for press freedom and details the events that transpired.