last generation
Climate activists: Many registrations for sit-in training
Last Generation activists during a roadblock. photo
© Paul Zinken/dpa
The raids on the last generation have not deterred the climate activists: they are seeing an influx of people interested in their protest actions.
After the raids on members of the Last Generation, the climate protection group has reported crowds at sit-in training sessions. “Countless people have registered for sit-in training for next week,” said an open letter from the activists published on Saturday and addressed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
“We wish that our protests are no longer needed. That your government acts in accordance with the constitution. That all the new people who are flocking to the Last Generation no longer find it necessary to hold sit-ins,” the Last Generation continues.
The group announced on Friday that it would initially focus on demonstrations instead of road blockades. For Wednesday, she called for participation in nationwide protest marches.
Core demand: end the use of fossil fuels by 2030
The last generation also announced an end to their protests as soon as the federal government convened a so-called social council to plan the end of the use of fossil fuels in Germany by 2030 – a core demand of the group. It has been blocking major roads in many cities since early 2022. With their protest, the group wants to denounce climate policy deficits – for example with a view to the immense climate-damaging emissions from car traffic.
Police and prosecutors raided the last generation on Wednesday. Around 170 officers searched 15 apartments and business premises in seven federal states, as announced by the Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office. The charge is to form or support a criminal organization. The activists deny being criminals, although several have already been convicted of criminal offenses, some even imprisoned. The raid was criticized by many as excessive. The initiative complained that its members felt like they were being “treated with serious criminals”.