New blockades: Last generation plans new protests in Germany
Published: Monday, Mar 11th 2024, 12:50
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After turning away from sticky blockades, the climate group Last Generation has announced new protests in ten German cities next Saturday.
"Disobedient gatherings" are planned in Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Leipzig, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Regensburg, Munich and Rügen, the group announced on Monday. These actions will involve crowds of people blocking sidewalks and streets.
They should be "significantly more disobedient" than registered demonstrations, but "absolutely peaceful". Exactly what these gatherings should look like and how long they should last remained open.
The group started road blockades a good two years ago to draw attention to the climate crisis and demand countermeasures. Activists usually stuck themselves to the road so that they could not simply be carried away.
There were also protests in museums, stadiums and ministries. The Berlin police alone counted 550 actions last year. The actions attracted a lot of attention, but also resentment. Many activists were put on trial for coercion. The public prosecutor's office in Neuruppin is investigating the establishment of a criminal organization.
At the end of January, the Last Generation announced an end to the sticky protests. The group has now addressed an appeal to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a press conference in front of Bellevue Palace. He should draw attention to the climate crisis in a speech to the nation and initiate a debate on immediate measures, including the immediate phase-out of all fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas.
Steinmeier is called upon to "bring honesty to our democratic debate". In its statement, the group calls for, among other things, a wealth tax to finance climate protection and "fair rationing that puts a limit on the overconsumption of the rich".
It is time to speak uncomfortable truths: "Some things that are taken for granted today must come to an end." The declaration mentions private jets and domestic flights as well as a downsizing of the aviation, automotive and chemical industries. If no changes are made, a "renewed fascism in Germany is possible".
©Keystone/SDA
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