Photo Gallery Merkel's Nuclear Option
In the aftermath of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made an astounding political U-turn. She went from being an enthusiastic supporter of nuclear energy to arguing for phasing it out as soon as possible. This photo shows a Greenpeace action on March 21. The organization projected the slogan "The lying continues" on the side of the Krümmel nuclear plant near Hamburg.
At a press conference on March 15, Merkel made a statement on the future of the country's nuclear plants, together with the governors of the affected states.
German Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen, who experienced the worst defeat of his time in office when the administration decided to extend the operating lives of nuclear plants, can expect to regain stature as the chief strategist in Merkel's phase-out effort.
An open cast coal mine in Germany: Many feel her Merkel's course is not credible, and it is legally, financially and politically risky.
An anti-nuclear demonstration outside the Chancellory in Berlin on March 14: Fukushima has caused a wave of shock in Germany.
Leaders of the SPD and Green Party attend the March 14 demonstration in Berlin: The opposition parties are trying to be careful not to be seen to be making political capital out of Fukushima.
