Last week there was an explosion in a nuclear power plant in France. It was stated that one person died and 4 people were injured in the explosion. In order not to cause panic and fear, French authorities stated that it was not a matter of radioactive leak and dangerous case. However when there is an accident in a nuclear facility, it is not possible not to talk about a radioactive effect; so it may be wise to have some doubts about the public statement. Because 1957 Windscale Accident, 1979 Three Mile Island Accident, 1986 Chernobyl Accident, and Fukushima Accident in March, 2011 do not refer to forgettable memories.
For France nuclear energy has uttermost significance economically and industrially. After the Second World War both for peaceful causes and for the production of atomic bomb, it was accepted as a common political approach to invest in nuclear energy. It can still be claimed that the same approach continues. In this context, nuclear energy plays an important role in the development of French industry and the economic boost of France. 58 nuclear power plants in the country supply 80% of the electrical demand. In addition to this the improvement of nuclear technology and its export have huge economic returns for France. Furthermore the fact that the deterrence of atomic bomb increases the capacity of French military cannot be ignored.
Considering all these, in the discussions on closing the nuclear power plants that started after the explosion in Fukushima nuclear power plant France was one of the actors that argued for “not closing them”. The “benefits” of nuclear energy were explained to the people with campaigns and energy companies highlighted importance they attached to nuclear safety. When the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy stated that he would invest € 1billion in the fourth generation nuclear power plants, he already showed his support for nuclear program. On all occasions Sarkozy tells that on condition that safety measures in nuclear power plants are taken thoroughly –stating that France has safe nuclear power plants and takes the necessary safety measures- it is not likely to bear any danger. However throughout the world because the programs about nuclear energy are confidential and are not open to public, they are well beyond transparency and control. Thus how compatible this kind of structure and mental approach with the core of democracy is waiting to be questioned both in France and in general discussions on nuclear energy.
In the final analysis there are some actors which see that it is impossible for today’s open and sharing-based society structures and game strategies dating back to the Cold War to survive at the same time. Germany (until 2022) and Switzerland (until 2034) decided to close their nuclear power plants. After the referendum Italy announced that they would end their nuclear program. All over the world opposition to nuclear energy has been increasing because of humanistic reasons and the states are forced to decide in this direction. Moreover it should be remembered that what is needed for the set up of nuclear power plants, their modernization, and making them secure cannot be underestimated.
The actors that want to have the future’s economy and fix their position in the future already are using their political preferences not in favor of investing in nuclear energy but in renewable energy sources. In other words they show respect to the next generations’ right to live by designing a future with the resources that already exist in nature such as wind or the sun. While we are in a period in which people talk about Turkey’s rising power, Turkey’s support for the humanistic one means there is hope for the future. Otherwise, we will be on the same side with France and Russia and we will be late.
Translation: Leyla Deniz