People and Politics # A visit to Chernobyl - Germany's environment minister and his vision of a nuclear-free country # 17.07.2009

Sigmar Gabriel is campaigning for his party ahead of September's general election by paying a visit to Chernobyl. After recent incidents at a northern German nuclear power plant, the Social Democrats are promoting their vision of a nuclear-free Germany. A visit to Chernobyl goes down well with voters. Almost 25 years ago Europe experienced its worst nuclear accident there. Now the concrete casing around Chernobyl has cracks in it and is soon to be replaced by a steel casing. Sigmar Gabriel hopes his visit to Chernobyl will help underscore his party's goal of closing Germany's nuclear power plants.