Status: 06.01.2024, 19:11 PM
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The action caused a stir in the political landscape. Now a family is giving a first-hand account of the ferry incident involving Robert Habeck.
Ockholm/Schlüttsiel – A family that was on board the ferry in the port of Schlüttsiel together with Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens), which was besieged by demonstrators, has reported their fear. "The atmosphere was very heated, and no one knew what was going to happen," the woman, who was on board with her husband and children, told dpa on Saturday. The grandfather, who is over 80 years old, was also there. The family does not want to give their name publicly.
Angry farmers prevent Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) from leaving a ferry in Schlüttsiel in Schleswig-Holstein. © Dpa
"Come out, you coward" – eyewitnesses report ferry protest against Habeck
"We stayed as far back on deck as possible to protect the children," the mother said. "The kids got really scared, and it was really scary." The demonstrators had shouted in the direction of Habeck: "Come out, you coward". A sign had a gallows painted on it.
After the ferry had docked in the small North Frisian port, the family pushed their way off the ship through the crowd with their luggage and holding hands. "Through the mobbing demonstrators. Who then had nothing better to do than shout at the frightened children," said the mother. The father added that they eventually got to the guarded parking lot and to their car. "We were and are horrified."
Habeck came back from vacation – angry farmers wanted to storm ferry
Habeck was on Thursday for a private visit to Hallig Hooge. According to the family, there were many passengers on board the ferry for the time of year, including a mourning party with several senior citizens. There were also other children on board, including a baby. The family described the situation as extremely threatening. "Protesting, yes, but it was almost unbearable," said the father. "It was so hostile." The family described the behavior of the ship's crew as prudent and professional.
The ferry with Habeck and other passengers on board had to leave again to avoid being stormed. Habeck only reached the mainland with another ferry on Friday night. Nationwide demonstrations by farmers are again planned for Monday (8 January). Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters), had already spoken out against the traffic light government in the run-up to the election. (dpa)