Since the beginning of the week, the “Last Generation” movement has blocked more than fifty streets in the German capital and some sections of the motorway. A new punch action took place on Tuesday to push the government to do more against global warming.
The five activists Letzte Generation (“Last generation”) put on a fluorescent orange vest before sitting down in the middle of the intersection. In a few seconds, Tuesday April 25, they stick their hands to the asphalt and block traffic in the center of Berlin. “Yes, we are exposed here to insults and violence from passers-by, says Paul, 19. But we do it because we are desperate. I fear the climatic catastrophe much more than what can happen to me when I am in the Street”.
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Quickly, on the spot, the police take off the hands of the demonstrators and free the motorists, under the eyes of Barbara: “It’s important that people speak up and draw attention to malfunctions. They are peaceful, they don’t hurt anyone and motorists can take other streets.” Nearly 700 police were mobilized to try to prevent the action punch, in vain.
Yesterday geht’s nicht weiter
Wir erreichen die letzte Abfahrt vorm Klimakollaps. Lasst unse nehmen!
Schließt euch unserem Protestmarsch morgen um 11:30 Uhr in Berlin an. Ohne hinsetzen oder ankleben. Treffpunkt St.-Thomas-Kirche. pic.twitter.com/3TsORlIwUR
—Letzte Generation (@AufstandLastGen) April 25, 2023
Since the beginning of the week, “Letzte Generation” – which has made itself known through actions of civil disobedience such as the projection of paint on tables – has blocked more than fifty streets in Berlin, and even some stretches highway.
“There are other ways to protest”
These repeated blockages annoy more and more Berliners, sometimes stuck in traffic for several hours. Rolf attacks the activists: “My wife had to be hospitalized and they blocked the road. We can defend the climate, but without endangering people’s lives. There are other ways to protest. They can demonstrate in front of the chancellery for example”.
Since Monday, more than 200 activists have been arrested in Berlin. Activists announce further actions in the coming days.
—Letzte Generation (@AufstandLastGen) April 24, 2023
The German government has ambitious climate targets, but activists doubt its ability to meet its commitments, such as producing 80% of electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The Council of Climate Experts, responsible for assess the action of the executive, issued a report last week estimating that Germany was at risk of not achieving its CO2 reduction targets.