Germany: Climate activists will likely continue daily protest campaigns in major cities through mid-October /update 3

Event

Environmental activists will likely continue a campaign of protests in major cities across Germany through early October. As of Oct. 10, the Last Generation (LG) group has staged multiple events in recent days, primarily in Berlin. Activists restarted a near-daily campaign of roadblock protests in mid-August, and the group has announced further measures in the coming weeks. LG is demanding lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Short-notice protests are possible in major cities nationwide.

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.