Chancellor Angela Merkel appears to have signalled the end of brown coal in Germany, Michael Bauchmüller writes in Süddeutsche Zeitung.

In her traditional summer interview with broadcaster ARD, Merkel stated that the Gserman administration is working with affected regions to develop alternatives for coal mining employees as the first move is part of her CDU party‘s platform and that “then the exit can be contemplated”.

The move would not only win the support of the Greens but also trump the left-of-centre SPD, which still supports brown coal mining in some areas, writes Bauchmüller.

For Merkel, the decision addresses a failure during her three terms in office to adequately deal with coal. In 2005, Germany produced 990 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. Today, the country still produces 900 million tonnes. Without a concrete plan, it is in danger of missing its own 2020 climate protection target by more than 150 million tonnes, writes Bauchmüller.