German nuclear plants shut down

Germany has temporarily shut down seven of its nuclear power plants while it reconsiders its nuclear strategy.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said all reactors that went into operation before 1980 would be taken offline, while safety checks would be carried on the country’s remaining plants.

All safety questions would be answered by 15 June, she said.

The decision comes after concerns about radiation leaks at a Japanese plant after last Friday’s earthquake.

Last year, Germany decided to extend the life of its nuclear power plants, but that decision was suspended for three months on Monday.

More than a quarter of all German electricity comes from nuclear power.