AfD Leader Alice Weidel Defends Controversial Remarks on Wind Energy
Weidel Addresses Criticism After Suggesting Dismantling Wind Farms, Claims Misinterpretation
Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and its newly nominated chancellor candidate, has recently found herself at the center of a political storm following comments made during a party convention in Riesa.
Weidel's remarks regarding the dismantling of wind farms generated significant backlash, prompting her to clarify her statements, asserting that she was misunderstood and that her words were taken out of context.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the convention, Weidel explained that her controversial comment specifically referenced the planned development of wind turbines in the Reinhardswald region of Hesse, a forest famously associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
She expressed concerns over the deforestation of this area, asserting that it was being cleared for the installation of wind turbines over 240 meters tall.
While Weidel acknowledges wind energy as a potential source of power, she emphasized her opposition to subsidies for such projects.
In her speech, delivered shortly after her nomination as chancellor candidate, Weidel criticized the CDU-led government of Hesse for purportedly sacrificing the 'fairytale forest' for wind farms.
Her assertion that 'when we are in charge, we will dismantle all wind farms' was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The remarks drew criticism from various quarters, including the German Offshore Wind Energy Association.
Stefan Thimm, the association’s managing director, highlighted the importance of renewable energy and climate protection technologies for maintaining Germany's economic competitiveness.
Thimm warned that jobs could be at risk if Germany fails to remain a leader in these markets, criticizing the AfD for, in his view, risking economic decline.
Weidel's comments come at a crucial time, as she was elected as the AfD's chancellor candidate during the convention.
With the general election just six weeks away, the AfD is currently polling between 21 and 22 percent, placing it second behind the Union bloc, which holds between 30 and 31 percent.
Despite this, Weidel refrained from making predictions about the election outcome, stating, 'I do not make forecasts about the possible election results.'
The controversy underscores the divisive politics surrounding renewable energy in Germany, especially in regions with historical and environmental significance.
As the country continues its energy transition, balancing economic interests and environmental preservation remains a contentious issue.
Weidel's remarks regarding the dismantling of wind farms generated significant backlash, prompting her to clarify her statements, asserting that she was misunderstood and that her words were taken out of context.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the convention, Weidel explained that her controversial comment specifically referenced the planned development of wind turbines in the Reinhardswald region of Hesse, a forest famously associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
She expressed concerns over the deforestation of this area, asserting that it was being cleared for the installation of wind turbines over 240 meters tall.
While Weidel acknowledges wind energy as a potential source of power, she emphasized her opposition to subsidies for such projects.
In her speech, delivered shortly after her nomination as chancellor candidate, Weidel criticized the CDU-led government of Hesse for purportedly sacrificing the 'fairytale forest' for wind farms.
Her assertion that 'when we are in charge, we will dismantle all wind farms' was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The remarks drew criticism from various quarters, including the German Offshore Wind Energy Association.
Stefan Thimm, the association’s managing director, highlighted the importance of renewable energy and climate protection technologies for maintaining Germany's economic competitiveness.
Thimm warned that jobs could be at risk if Germany fails to remain a leader in these markets, criticizing the AfD for, in his view, risking economic decline.
Weidel's comments come at a crucial time, as she was elected as the AfD's chancellor candidate during the convention.
With the general election just six weeks away, the AfD is currently polling between 21 and 22 percent, placing it second behind the Union bloc, which holds between 30 and 31 percent.
Despite this, Weidel refrained from making predictions about the election outcome, stating, 'I do not make forecasts about the possible election results.'
The controversy underscores the divisive politics surrounding renewable energy in Germany, especially in regions with historical and environmental significance.
As the country continues its energy transition, balancing economic interests and environmental preservation remains a contentious issue.
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