Former Finance Minister Christian Lindner has sharply criticized the Green Party's approach to Germany's nuclear phase-out during a parliamentary inquiry.

He argued that the Greens prioritized ideological and tactical considerations over pragmatic solutions, especially during the energy crisis caused by the Ukraine war.

The crisis had already delayed the shutdown of Germany's last three nuclear plants from December 2022 to April 2023. Lindner advocated for extending their operation through the winter of 2023/24 and even suggested reactivating previously closed plants.

He claimed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decisive intervention in 2022 was necessary due to internal coalition disputes.

The Union party has also accused Green ministers of failing to conduct an unbiased review of nuclear options, further fueling the debate.