BERLIN (AP) – German climate activists sprayed orange paint onto Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate yesterday morning to urge the German government to take more urgent action against climate change.
Members of the group Last Generation used fire extinguishers filled with paint to spray the six columns of the popular landmark in Germany’s capital. The group’s priorities include getting Germany to stop using fossil fuels by 2030 and take short-term measures, including imposing a general speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour on highways, to cut emissions more quickly.
“The protest makes it clear: It is time for a political change,” the group said. “Away from fossil fuels – towards fairness.”
Police cordoned off the area surrounding Brandenburg Gate and confirmed that they detained 14 activists affiliated with the Last Generation.
The group best known for its protests in which activists glue themselves to roads and block traffic plays a provocative and polarising role in German politics and society.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the group’s actions, saying their tactics go beyond legitimate forms of protest.
“With these actions, this group is not only damaging the historic Brandenburg Gate, but also our free discourse about the important issues of our time and future,” he told German news agency dpa.
