CDU leader at Green Week
Last generation bothers Merz with “yelling”
January 24, 2024, 8:59 p.m
Members of the Last Generation want to draw attention to CDU leader Merz’s “hypocritical positions on agricultural and climate policy.” However, their protest at an event at the Green Week is quickly ended. Merz himself shows no understanding for the action.
Union parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz was disrupted by climate activists at a discussion event at the Green Week agricultural trade fair in Berlin. The CDU leader was interrupted by shouts during his speech. Activists with banners from the group Last Generation stood on the stage and were pushed away by stewards.
In a video published by the Union faction, Merz said afterwards that the action had been ended relatively quickly. The “yelling” doesn’t make any sense. He appeals to young people: “Use your head and not just your larynx.” On stage he said of the activists: “Every single tree binds more CO2 than the screamers will ever save in their entire lives.”
The Last Generation explained that the action was intended to confront Merz with “his hypocritical positions on agricultural and climate policy.” Activists therefore shouted: “Away from fossil fuels – towards fairness”. During his visit to the trade fair, Merz made it clear that agriculture urgently needs support with less bureaucracy, more investments and new technologies. The CDU leader also met with the leaders of the farmers’ association for talks.
The protests started two years ago
In recent weeks, farmers have held large demonstrations to protest against cuts in state support. The federal government then abandoned the initially planned abolition of vehicle tax advantages for agricultural businesses. However, the elimination of subsidies for agricultural diesel will continue to be implemented – now gradually until 2026.
The protest actions of the last generation, on the other hand, have so far met with little understanding – both in politics and in society. Exactly two years ago, on January 24, 2022, the group began its road blockades for radical climate change. There were also protests in museums, stadiums and ministries. The Berlin police alone counted 550 actions last year, and the capital’s public prosecutor’s office has now conducted 3,700 cases.