Wednesday, March 25
Police are on site to try and remove climate activists from a crane in Mitte. Photos show at least four individuals hanging from wires underneath a bright yellow banner that reads, “Freiheit statt fossile Politik!” (Freedom instead of fossil politics!).
The activists hanging from the arm of the crane are representing the environmental protection group Greenpeace. Police are also securing the area around the Chancellery and a nearby road has been closed.
According to initial findings, six people accessed to the construction site shortly before 6:00 this morning. They used a lifting platform to access the crane. They are directly protesting the armaments policy of the federal government, as Greenpeace has long called for more environmental and climate protection and a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.
A cabinet decision is expected on the new climate protection programme for 2026, presented by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD). Today is the legal deadline for the decision.
Greenpeace warns against bad investment in view of rising arms spending in Germany. Although they acknowledge the changed security situation in Europe since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, it is important to find a balance, according to Greenpeace expert for disarmament and peace, Alexander Lurz. “Defending ability should have a deterrent effect, but not increase the risk of escalation,” he stated.
