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Climate and Economics Minister Habeck in the Bundestag
Photo: Michael Sohn/AP
Climate Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) called on climate activists to distance themselves from violence after the protests surrounding the eviction of the brown coal town of Lützerath.
»Climate protection in particular is about protecting freedom and life in a democracy.
And violence is not a legitimate means of political debate," Habeck told the "taz" on Saturday.
If there are allegations against police officers, they would be cleared up.
"It is unacceptable how police officers are denigrated in general and how some activists call for a 'world without police'," said Habeck.
Lützerath, which belongs to Erkelenz west of Cologne, was evacuated in a day-long large-scale police operation against the resistance of hundreds of climate activists.
The energy company RWE wants to mine lignite there.
According to NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU), almost 500 criminal offenses were committed in connection with the evacuation of Lützerath.
Climate activists sharply criticized the Greens for the demolition.
Habeck said he doesn't feel misunderstood by the climate movement.
»The climate movement and Fridays for Future in particular have put climate policy at the top of the agenda in Germany«.
He is grateful for this great achievement.
"It is the logical consequence for a governing party to be in a tense relationship with a citizens' movement," said the Green politician.
A protest movement should focus on the opposite and must demand more than what the status quo is.
The Fridays for Future organization wants to provide information on Saturday about the next steps and demands of the movement after the protests in Lützerath in the new year.
aeh/dpa
