Germany: Climate activists plan to renew roadblock protests in Berlin, from April 19

Event

The environmental activist group Letzte Generation will likely renew a campaign of roadblock protests in Berlin, starting April 19. The group has declared that it will continue its campaign through late April. The activists are demanding lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Protesters will typically target busy roads in the morning peak travel period. Activists may also conduct short-notice acts of civil disobedience at government buildings or fossil fuel-related businesses. Similar protests are likely in major urban centers across Germany.

Letzte Generation are also planning a demonstration at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate at 15:00 April 23. Several hundred may attend, based on previous events.

Typically, the protests occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and access to airports. Police will respond rapidly. Protests typically last for 30 minutes to one hour before police remove protestors. Activists increasingly use superglue to attach themselves to road surfaces to slow down 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.

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.