Birkenfeld says no to wind power: Mayor under pressure!

Birkenfeld says no to wind power: Mayor under pressure!

A dramatic citizens' decision in Birkenfeld has decided the future of wind turbines in the community - and the answer from the citizens is clear: a clear "no" to wind power! Mayor Martin Steiner (CDU) is now in the line of fire of the criticism, while the municipality is in a deep division.

The results of the citizens' decision were presented on Sunday evening on a large screen in the town hall foyer. With 71.7 percent of the votes, the citizens rejected the construction of wind turbines in the municipal forest. "The main thing is over," sighed municipal councilor Marcus Höll (independent Birkenfeld electorate) and thus expressed the relief of many citizens who wished for a rapid clarification of the topic after months of discussions. The vote was not only a decision about wind power, but also a reflection of the deep split in the community.

The mayor under pressure

Mayor Steiner, who would have liked another result, accepted the vote with the words: "At the end of the day I am a democrat." Nevertheless, the question remains how the "Smart Birkenfeld" concept continues, which also provides for wind power as part of a climate -friendly strategy. The citizens, such as Jan Dittus, express concerns about wind turbines near them, especially in an area where a forest kindergarten was recently opened. "Birkenfeld is not necessarily the location known for wind," says Dittus, who sees solar energy as a better alternative.

The argument about wind power is far from over. Markus Dietz, one of the confidants of the citizens' request, calls for clarification of the mayor's behavior in information policy. While some citizens like Peter Röseler are vehemently against wind turbines and speak of possible environmental damage, the question remains how the community will deal with the challenges of renewable energies in the future.