A pro-nuclear energy group, Nuklearia, intends to stage further demonstrations during the upcoming ARD “Sommerinterview” with SPD leader Bärbel Bas on Sunday. Following experiences from the previous weekend, a protest has already been officially registered to begin at 8:00 AM on Sunday morning.
Niels Harksen of Nuklearia stated the group particularly aims to reach members of the SPD and its traditional voter base, specifically industrial workers organized through unions. He argued their jobs are threatened by high energy costs and reactivated German nuclear power plants could provide affordable electricity, potentially safeguarding employment if the SPD were to approve their continued operation.
Last Sunday, pro-nuclear activists attempted to utilize the “Sommerinterview” with Green Party leader Felix Banaszak as a platform for protest, gathering near the Reichstag building where the program was being recorded. However, they discovered the ARD’s main studio had unexpectedly pre-recorded the interview earlier in the morning than usual. ARD also deviated from standard practice by omitting the established livestream and press conference, citing “security concerns” according to a spokesperson.
Harksen criticized this decision, stating viewers were deprived of both the interactive livestream format and a relevant contribution to the debate. He emphasized their registered demonstration simply involved holding banners on the steps of the building, visible in panoramic shots, without disrupting the interview itself.
Whether Nuklearia will be able to effectively demonstrate this time remains to be seen. ARD is maintaining secrecy regarding the location and time of this week’s “Sommerinterview”. It remains unclear whether the interview will even be produced on the terrace opposite the Reichstag building, as has been the tradition. Past instances of inclement weather have resulted in the program being filmed in the studio, such as the July 2024 interview with Christian Lindner. However, sunny weather and a high of 28 degrees Celsius are currently forecast for Berlin on Sunday.
This secrecy follows disruption during the “Sommerinterview” with Alice Weidel in mid-July, when the activist group “Center for Political Beauty” parked a sound system-equipped bus near the recording location, significantly disrupting the broadcast.
