Fridays for Future Leads Protest Wave for Climate Action and Democracy
Nationwide Demonstrations Planned
Fridays for Future, the global youth climate movement, has called for a wave of protests across Germany today. According to the organization, over 150 cities will witness demonstrations advocating for climate protection, democracy, and the fight against the rise of the far right. The planned actions include traditional protest marches, bicycle rallies, and street festivals.
"Climate Strike" with a Focus on "Right to the Future"
Fridays for Future labels the demonstrations as a "climate strike," operating under the slogan "Right to the Future." The movement aims to amplify its collaboration with democratic actors. In Berlin and Hamburg, it has mobilized alongside the organization "Grandmothers Against the Right." Other initiatives, such as Campact and "Laut gegen Rechts" (Loud Against the Right), have also pledged their support.
Criticism of Far-Right Influence in Climate Policy
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer expressed concern about the growing influence of far-right ideologies in climate policy. "Where radical right-wingers are indulging in their hatred of wind turbines and contempt for international responsibility, there lies no secure future for Germany, but rather guaranteed insecurity," she said. Neubauer criticized the increasing radicalization of the conservative party (CDU/CSU) during its election campaign.
Demand for Government Action
The Berlin demonstration will commence at Brandenburg Gate and proceed to the Bundestag and Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery) via Pariser Platz and Kronprinzen- and Marschallbrücke before returning to Pariser Platz. Alongside Neubauer, speakers include musician Paula Carolina and influencer and author Matilda Jelitto.
An open letter has been drafted urging the new German government to make a clear commitment to climate protection and democracy. "It is unjustifiable that parties believe they can conduct an election campaign in this time without offering solutions for the greatest challenge of our era on the largest stages," the letter states. Over 130 prominent individuals have signed the letter, including actress and director Karoline Herfurth and rapper Ski Aggu.
Expanding Collaboration with Democracy Movement
Fridays for Future emphasizes the importance of its collaboration with democratic actors. "We are expanding our cooperation with democracy actors," said Neubauer. "We are now working closely with groups that are defending democratic principles and the rule of law."
Concerns about Far-Right Infiltration
The movement’s concerns over far-right infiltration also play a significant role in its mobilization. "We see that far-right actors are trying to instrumentalize climate protection for their own agenda," Neubauer explained. "We must not let them succeed."
Call for Urgent Action
Fridays for Future stresses the need for urgent action on climate change and the rise of the far right. "The time for talk is over," said Neubauer. "We demand that the new government commit to a 1.5-degree climate target and a rapid expansion of renewable energies. We also demand that they actively combat the far right."
The protests today represent a powerful demonstration of youth mobilization for climate justice and democracy. Fridays for Future continues to play a leading role in shaping the climate and political debates in Germany and beyond.
