Alphorn protest in Hamburg: Alarm for Switzerland and German security!

Alphorn protest in Hamburg: Alarm for Switzerland and German security!

On Tuesday, October 31, 2025, opponents of nuclear power protested in Hamburg with impressive alarm signals from alphorns. This urgent protest took place on the occasion of the meeting of the German-Swiss Commission for the Safety of Nuclear Facilities (DSK), which met in Hamburg. The demonstrators handed over a catalog of critical questions about safety problems at the Swiss nuclear power plants (nuclear power plants) near the border to Andreas Sikorski, head of nuclear supervision in the Federal Environment Ministry, as well as colleagues from Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

Armin Simon from the anti-nuclear organization expressed worrying concerns about the outdated safety standards of the old Swiss nuclear power plants. Criticized aspects include cracks, leaks and the lack of earthquake protection. He emphasized that if there were a nuclear accident in Switzerland, Germany would be much more affected than Switzerland itself. Furthermore, Simon demanded clear answers from the German authorities from the Swiss authorities regarding the risks posed by the nuclear power plants. The population in Germany has a right to information about the dangers of the four nuclear power plants near the border in Switzerland.

Demands for secure energy management

The protest was not only directed against the existing plants, but also demanded that the federal government work to quickly shut down the risky reactors near the border. These demands reflect the concerns of many citizens who are calling for greater awareness of the potential dangers of nuclear energy, especially after the catastrophic experiences of the past.

In a larger context, it is important to note that nuclear energy is currently making a comeback around the world. According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) Over 40 countries are aiming to expand nuclear power to meet increasing electricity demand amid increasing electrification in various sectors. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol predicts that nuclear power could generate record levels of electricity by the end of 2025.

More than 70 gigawatts of new nuclear energy capacity is currently under construction worldwide. However, this development could also bring with it new dependencies on technologies from countries such as China and Russia. The extensive renovation and modernization of existing nuclear power plants in traditional nuclear power countries such as the USA and France is difficult because delays and rising costs are putting a strain on the projects. Germany phased out nuclear energy in April 2023 after the last three reactors were shut down.

The contradiction between the demands for increased safety management of the existing nuclear power plants in Switzerland and the global efforts to expand nuclear power is obvious. The current protests in Hamburg shed light on the different concerns and perspectives that exist in connection with nuclear energy.