Brandenburg
Chancellor meets citizens and is shouted down
Olaf Scholz had to listen to “traitors of the people”, “liars” and “get away” during his speech. photo
© Carsten Koall/dpa
For Olaf Scholz, this is a strenuous experience in Neuruppin, Brandenburg. The SPD politician tries to remain calm.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz encountered loud counter-demonstrators at an event with citizens in Neuruppin, Brandenburg.
The SPD politician nevertheless went through with his appearance on the city’s school square, although he could hardly be understood in view of the whistles and the chanting. Scholz reiterated the announcement that another package to relieve citizens of inflation and high energy costs would be presented in the next few days.
About 300 protesters
In the past few days, there had been speculation about the possibility of mass protests against government policies in the fall. Among other things, the left wants to organize demonstrators. The right mobilized too. In Neuruppin, both the left and the AfD had called for counter-demonstrations. But there was no question of masses there – an estimated 300 protesters came to the edge of the closed-off event area. Most seemed to be AfD supporters. They shouted “traitor to the people”, “liar” and “get away”.
The police did not initially name the number of participants. According to a police spokeswoman, there was a complaint of resistance because a person did not want to leave the cordoned off area. Personal details have been identified. Violations of the assembly law would be examined.
Scholz: “More needs to happen”
Scholz addressed the noise over a loudspeaker system. He again promised a new relief package. The previous decisions of the traffic light coalition bring the citizens 30 billion euros, and not all of it has arrived, said the SPD politician. But one thing is clear: “More has to happen.” The government will decide on this “in the next few days”.
When asked by a sixth grader, Scholz agreed that despite the lack of gas, school operations would be secured in winter, including activities in gyms. “I’m pretty confident we can do it.” The Chancellor defended the gas surcharge that will apply from October.
Scholz also justified the government’s actions after the Russian attack on Ukraine. He also expressed “serious concern” about the situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. The federal government will continue to work towards averting a dramatic situation on the ground, said the SPD politician. It is “a very, very dangerous development that can take place there”. The largest nuclear power plant in Europe is occupied by Russian troops and has been shelled several times in recent days. Ukraine and Russia blame each other for this.