German Greens denounce 'smug' Extinction Rebellion activists

Climate activists demonstrate in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin earlier this month. Photo: John McDougall/AFP

Germany's Greens have been blamed by 'smug' climate activists in the extinction rebellion style, alienating the public with street blockades. we need it in the current situation.”

Ms Mihalic, the party's parliamentary director in the Bundestag, told the German Press Agency that the group is «repelling the public with actions that make an already difficult daily life even more difficult.»

This is the first time the Greens have taken a stand against the Letzte Generation, which has repeatedly blocked commuter traffic in the country's major cities.

The Greens were joined in denouncing the controversial group by the German wing of the School Strikes for Climates movement on Thursday. , who accused the Letzte Generation of «dividing society».

The youth movement said the street blockade targeted poorer Germans who could not afford to live in sought-after urban areas.

“The climate crisis requires solutions for society as a whole. We must fight for them together – we must not turn people against each other in everyday life,” the youth group said. > Letzte Generation blocks a street in Berlin earlier this month. Photo: Tobias Schwartz/AFP

Apparently, coordinated criticism followed after Letzte Generation activists caused many kilometers of traffic jams in Hamburg during the Easter holidays.

Members simultaneously blocked a key tunnel and road bridge at the beginning of a long weekend, effectively sealing off two main exits from port city, and residents trying to leave for vacations get stuck for hours.

A group calling for speed limits on Germany's famous unlimited autobahns and massive subsidies for rail travel has now pledged to deliver Berlin «to a dead end».

Previously, the Greens had been muted in their criticism, with party leaders combining criticism of the organization's tactics with support for its goals.

The Green mayor of Hannover raised his eyebrows in February when he agreed to lobby the Letzte Generation idea in the German national parliament. name on the condition that his city remains in peace.

Opponents accused Belit Onay of «succumbing to blackmail», but he said that he was ready to work with the group only because he agreed with their goals .

Environmental activists march in Berlin on Thursday. Photo: Markus Schreiber/AP

The national party's change of course may reflect an acknowledgment that the Letzte Generation is unpopular with the German public. The disappointing result of the Greens in the recent elections in Berlin is due to the fact that drivers were frustrated with the «anti-car» policy of the party.

At the same time, polls show that the vast majority of the population rejects Letzte Geneartion's methods. , which also included sticking themselves to roads and hitting runways.

The two activists' decision to skip the trial date and instead fly to Bali also sparked anger at the apparent hypocrisy, and the tabloids ran the story . on their front pages.

A blockade on a street in October slowed down two emergency vehicles on their way to the scene of a serious traffic accident that killed a cyclist.