Free Voters call for local authorities to have veto rights over wind power

In the opinion of the Free Voters (FW), the expansion of wind power in eastern Germany must not be allowed to bypass local residents. In a joint statement, the FW state associations of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony and Thuringia call for a fundamental course correction. The expansion of wind energy is facing an acceptance crisis. Instead of purely formal hearings, real co-determination rights are needed for local people.

Trust in politics is at stake

"Acceptance is not created through token hearings, but through real decision-making opportunities. If citizens have the feeling that their home is being planned over their heads, this destroys trust in politics in the long term," explained Thomas Weidinger, state chairman of the Free Voters of Saxony.

In the opinion of the Free Voters, system stability must not be lost sight of either. The expansion of energy generation cannot be viewed in isolation from grid capacity. The Federal Network Agency's data for 2025 speaks for itself. Negative wholesale prices are clear evidence that electricity was produced that the grid was unable to absorb.

Free voters present a list of demands

The Free Voters presented a five-point list of demands. First and foremost is a right of veto for local authorities. Sites must be selected in accordance with strict protection standards and only with the consent of those directly affected. Grid expansion, storage and reserve capacities must be synchronized with the expansion of wind power.

Unless a better solution is found, the dismantling of capacities in power plants must be scaled back. Other points concern transparency in subsidies and affordable energy.