Security and democratic legitimacy
Without nuclear power not much runs today. That’s why Switzerland must keep the nuclear energy option open for the future. Limiting nuclear power plants is therefore rejected. While they remain safe, they should operate. This is not, however, without clear frameworks. These are safety standards ensuring the disposal of products resulting from the operation of nuclear facilities. Accordingly, the disposal of radioactive waste is probably the most pressing issue. Because it ultimately decides the future viability of this source of energy.
The consultation on the new Nuclear Energy Act last summer has once again prompted in-depth debate on these issues. However, the CVP supports the principle that in Switzerland wastes must be disposed of within the country's borders. That inevitably raises the question of storage, the so-called deep geological storage facility.
Here two key words play a role: security and democratic participation. The CVP wants the Canton to be in a position to provide adequate site authorisation procedures. This is only for reasons of political legitimacy and acceptance of the affected population. A feasible way forward is to provide for a proposed consent law in the Canton for a permit framework for a deep geological repository.