Status: 13.08.2023, 05:05 a.m.
By: Sandra Sporer
CommentsShare
A large proportion of Germans condemn the methods of the "last generation". Caren Miosga, a spokeswoman for the organization, confronts this in an interview with Tagesthemen.
Munich – On July 13, the "Last Generation" blocked the airports of Hamburg and Düsseldorf. As a result, many flights could only take off with a long delay or not at all. The action once again brought the organization a lot of attention – and above all a lot of criticism. Afterwards, Tagesthemen presenter Caren Miosga spoke with Lina Johnsen, spokeswoman for the "Last Generation", and harshly criticized the organization's chosen methods.
Miosga confronts the spokeswoman of the "Last Generation": "Is this still peaceful protest?"
In order to get onto the tarmacs, the activists gained unauthorized access to the airports. An action that could result in a fine of millions and other serious consequences.
Became very clear to Lina Johnsen, the spokeswoman for the "Last Generation", in the Tagesthemen of July 13, 2023: ARD presenter Caren Miosga. © Screenshot ARD
Miosga points out in the Tagesthemen interview that the intrusion can be considered trespassing and is therefore a criminal act. She wants to know from Johnsen whether such actions can still be seen as peaceful protests.
Numerous travelers wait in the terminal of Hamburg Airport during a blockade of a tarmac by climate activists. © Bodo Marks/dpa
Johnsen replied that it was up to the courts to decide whether the protest at the airports was a criminal offense. They want to point out the failures of politics. "Where we have a court order is from the Federal Constitutional Court, and that is that the federal government is currently breaking the climate protection laws," Johnsen continued. The aim of the so-called climate stickers on July 13 was to draw attention to this.
Climate activist Johnsen apologizes to holidaymakers – but protests should continue
In the further course of the interview, Lina Johnsen apologized to the numerous travelers who were stuck at the airports due to the action of the "Last Generation". "I'm unbelievably, very sorry. I give all people, all people, all families a well-deserved holiday," said the climate activist.
0
Also Read
Storm drama in BaWü: Lightning strike near Stuttgart – three people in mortal danger
READ
Around 80 ships come to the harbour festival in Bremerhaven
READ
Use with the shovel at the ready: Bundeswehr digs up Wacken visitors
READ
Chronic pain: TV chef recommends certain foods to fight inflammation in the body
READ
Espresso against Alzheimer's: The coffee variant destroys a protein
READ
Fancy a voyage of discovery?
My Area
Nevertheless, there should be further actions, because "I also think the protest is stupid, but in the end it affects us all". You have to "look at what kind of catastrophe we are heading for," Johnson said. No sooner said than done, on the morning of July 14, activists were already stuck on the streets in more than 20 German cities – including Munich.
Security personnel and police officers stand on the airfield and try to detach activists from the group Last Generation from the asphalt after they have glued themselves. © David Young/dpa
Miosga reads climate glue in Tagesthemen the Levites and hits her new survey around the ears
Many people can probably agree that more needs to be done for climate protection. However, the methods of the "last generation" are also rejected by many climate protection advocates. "It was only at the end of June that a representative survey conducted by Infratest dimap for SWR showed that a large proportion of Germans reject the protest. According to the report, 85 percent consider the blocking of roads and traffic to be "not justified," according to a report in the Tagesschau.
Miosga confronted the spokeswoman of the "Last Generation" with this figure. "If the goal is undisputed, the method remains questionable. People reject your form of protest. Germans are flying as much as they did before the pandemic. So they haven't achieved anything there," says Miosga. Johnsen, however, does not see this as a problem. "Our role as protesters is not to create majorities for climate protection," Johnsen said. It would be a matter of getting politicians to create the right political framework. "It is the responsibility of politicians to protect our livelihoods and they are not knowingly doing that right now," the spokeswoman summarizes.
"Where is your logic? Climate protection is only possible if as many people as possible want to protect the climate. In the meantime, however, you have already angered so many that those who would actually be on your side are distancing themselves," wonders Tagesthemen presenter Miosga. Here, too, Johnsen expressed understanding, but once again defended her role. The two women could no longer reach a consensus on the show. (sp)