Söder and Reiter shoot climate glue at the opening of the IAA – Scholz makes Halle laugh

A wave of protests is expected at the start of the IAA in Munich. Actions from different groups are expected.

Update, 3:19 p.m.: Around the opening of the IAA in Munich, there were the first protests by climate activists. Two groups held actions around the exhibition center almost simultaneously.

Update, 2:34 p.m.: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) opened the IAA in Munich at around 2:30 p.m. At the beginning of his speech, he made the audience in the exhibition hall laugh – with an allusion to his recent sports accident. With an eye patch, the Chancellor said: “As nice as jogging is, for some distances it’s better to take the car”. In his speech, he then emphasized the importance of the automotive industry for Germany. The federal government wants to strengthen climate-neutral mobility in Germany and will be investing more than 110 billion euros in the coming year.

IAA opened in Munich: Markus Söder and Dieter Reiter criticize climate glue – “Yes to the car”

Update, 2:24 p.m.: Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) also criticized the “last generation” in his opening speech at the IAA. The automotive industry is an important economic factor for Bavaria, accounting for a full 35 percent of total sales. That’s why Söder is certain: “We won’t really change the climate with climate stickers”.

On the other hand, he is “firmly convinced that technology is the solution”. For him, that means continuing to rely on various technologies: e-mobility, hydrogen, but also on synthetic combustion engines. The future of the automotive industry should also take place in Bavaria. Söder’s clear statement: “Yes to the car, yes to the automobile.”

Update, 2:07 p.m.: Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) has just spoken at the opening of the IAA in Munich. He criticized the constant blockade actions by climate activists: “I am convinced that this is not the right way.” Climate protection can only be promoted with the common will of the population – not through protests, which the majority of Germans reject . “It is not possible to constantly play off all forms of mobility against each other instead of looking for solutions together.” It is clear to Reiter: “Munich is an automotive location and, as is well known, a prosperous city”.

IAA start in Munich: situation in the morning is remarkably quiet

Update, 11:30 a.m.: The IAA started in Munich about two hours ago this morning. The Open Space in the city center has also been open since 10 a.m. So far there have been no conspicuous protest actions by the “last generation” or other groups.

Update, Sep 5, 7:54 am: Despite his sports injury, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is coming to Munich to open the IAA on Tuesday. According to a report by the German Press Agency (dpa), the automotive industry is hoping for a clear stance from the Chancellor when it comes to the much-discussed industrial electricity price. Subsidies would relieve the energy-intensive industry in international competition. The automobile manufacturers are also in favor of extending the purchase premiums for e-cars.

Scholz’ statements about China are also eagerly awaited – manufacturers such as VW, BMW and Mercedes-Benz compete with the Chinese automobile market. Other topics could be the growing concern about de-industrialization and job security in the industry. Due to his fall while jogging at the weekend, Scholz is currently wearing a black eye patch.

IAA starts in Munich: climate protests expected – police strengthened in the city

First report, September 5, 7:10 a.m.: Munich – The International Motor Show IAA in Munich begins today, Tuesday, September 5th. Around 700,000 visitors are expected in Munich between the 5th and 10th – and numerous protests. In the past few weeks, the “last generation” in particular had held several road blockades in the Bavarian capital. Recently, actions by Greenpeace and “Extinction Rebellion” have also been involved. At the IAA, the climate movements have now announced increased protests – the police are expecting many operations.

The climate protest group “Last Generation” recently described Munich as the “stronghold” of their actions. Since then, the activists have held off numerous blockades.

Last year, climate activists held numerous demos during the IAA in Munich. The Munich police have already announced that they will be present in large numbers throughout the city during the exhibition.

List of rubrics: © Sven Hoppe/dpa (Söder) and IMAGO / Political-Moments (Scholz)