The meeting between the “last generation” and Transport Minister Wissing lasted longer than planned. There is no result, but the activists want to keep in touch with him.
The climate group “Last Generation” came to a positive conclusion after talks with Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing, but wants to continue their protests. “Today’s conversation with the transport minister was human and respectful,” said activist Lea Bonasera after the almost two-hour meeting. But the content has not yet come closer together.
“Last Generation” sticks to their demands
The activists said they wanted to meet again in May when the Ministry of Transport presented its emergency program for climate protection. There is no confirmation from the Ministry of Transport for this. At the same time, Bonasera made it clear that the “last generation” would continue to block roads in protest against climate policy.
In terms of content, they spoke to the FDP politician about the group’s demands for a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour on motorways, a new edition of the 9-euro ticket and the establishment of a social council. The urgency of the climate crisis and the need to act quickly, Bonasera said, were once again able to show.
The activist Lea Bonasera and her colleagues explained to the Ministry of Transport that the current climate protection measures are not enough and that further measures are urgently needed.
Wissing: Consensus and no division
A spokesman for the Ministry of Transport spoke of a factual exchange after the meeting. “In order to achieve our climate goals, we need a social consensus and not division. This consensus must be worked out democratically and must not be enforced with violence.” Politics should not be directed against the people. “We have to make offers to the citizens that they find attractive and accept.” Mobility must be available and affordable.
Wissing had already made it clear in advance that it was important to talk to each other, but that there would be no negotiations or an agreement after the meeting. In the Deutschlandfunk he reiterated his criticism of the road blockades: he has zero tolerance and understanding for criminal offenses. “This is not a means of expressing an opinion. It must be pursued with the full force of the law.” He criticized the demands of the climate protection activists as not effective. “I’m not convinced by the arguments of the ‘last generation’.”
Verdicts against several activists
The “Last Generation” is known above all for the fact that activists stick to the roadway or airfields and thus obstruct traffic. Shortly before the meeting there were again numerous blockades in Berlin. According to the police, almost 500 emergency services were on the road. There were significant disabilities and many traffic jams.
The “Last Generation” had intensified their protests in the capital since April 19. According to initial information from last Friday, the police have registered 80 street blockades since then. In the past week, several hundred police officers have been on duty every day to prevent or quickly remove blockages. So far, 708 criminal and 431 administrative offense proceedings have been initiated. Several activists have since been convicted in court.
With information from Christopher Jähnert, ARD capital studio