Germany: Climate activists will likely continue roadblock campaign in Munich through late August

Event

Environmental activists will likely continue a campaign of protests in Munich through late August. As of Aug. 24, the Last Generation (LG) group has blocked multiple roads in the city, including Landsberger Strasse, Von-der-Tann-Strasse, Maximilianstrasse, and Karl-Scharnagl-Ring, as well as roads near Karlsplatz and Europaplatz; police report that activists have glued themselves to the road in some locations. The activists demand lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. LG states its protests will continue to focus on Munich, and likely the surrounding state of Bavaria, ahead of state elections in October. Similar short-notice events are in other urban centers throughout the state, including Nuremberg and Regensburg.

Protesters typically target busy roads in the morning peak travel period. The protests occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and airport access roads. Protests typically last for 30 minutes to one hour before police remove protestors. Activists increasingly glue themselves to road surfaces to slow response operations. Alternatively, protesters may march slowly along busy roads, creating traffic congestion without forming a static roadblock. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes, and congestion will likely build on surrounding routes. While protesters are unlikely to act violently, security services may resort to forceful methods to disperse protests; additionally, scuffles between protesters and frustrated motorists are possible. Activists may also conduct civil disobedience at government buildings or fossil fuel-related businesses. Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor the gatherings.

Advice

Avoid all protest sites if possible. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Heed instructions from security services and do not attempt to pass through roadblocks.