As of: January 30, 2024, 5:18 a.m
By: Karolin Schaefer
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A firefighter expressed his sympathy for farmers during the farmers' protests in Berlin.
This could possibly have consequences.
Berlin – Farmers protested for a week and blocked roads nationwide with their tractors.
The Bavarian Farmers' Association has already threatened more severe protest actions if the federal government does not give in.
There was support from many quarters.
However, in some cases this may not have been legal.
With applause and La Ola waves: Fire brigade signals support for farmers' protests
A firefighter in uniform in front of the fire station in Berlin-Wittenau signaled his support to farmers driving past in their tractors - with applause and waves of la ola.
Did the man violate the law?
“The responsible department is now examining the matter in order to clarify to what extent there is a violation of civil service regulations,” said a spokesman for the Berlin fire department.
In principle, civil servants are obliged to remain neutral while on duty, the spokesman explained.
A video of the firefighter can now be found on YouTube.
Firefighter celebrates farmers during protests: Interior administration calls for investigation
Now the pressure is growing in the authority to punish the firefighter, according to a statement from the German Fire Brigade Union.
According to the
Tagesspiegel,
Berlin's internal administration is not only demanding a disciplinary review.
It should also be checked whether the man has committed a crime.
There is criticism of this from the union.
“Solidarization effects can already be observed, which are particularly evident when huge injustice is felt,” said Manuel Barth, the union’s state deputy head.
“It is a completely exaggerated reflex of repentance to be observed in order to avoid any suspicion of being in common with something.”
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Barth criticized those responsible for moving forward “only with the motivational means of punishment” due to deficiencies in appropriate leadership behavior and helplessness.
Numerous people also expressed their solidarity with the firefighter on social media.
Case of firefighter who celebrated farmers' protests with applause and La Ola waves is being examined
Whether he violated his official duties is still being examined, the Tagesspiegel quoted the deputy state fire director, Per Kleist, as saying.
Employees should adhere to laws and regulations, Kleist appealed and emphasized compliance with the rule of moderation and the internal duty of good conduct.
According to the law, civil servants must exercise restraint when engaging in political activities.
This is intended to ensure the independence of officials.
If a civil servant is on duty, he or she must “basically abstain from any political activity”.
A firefighter expressed his sympathy during the farmers' protests in Berlin.
Whether this has consequences for him is now being examined.
© Montage: Screenshot/YouTube;
Paul Zinken/dpa
In any case, the President of the German Farmers' Association, Joachim Rukwied, sees "no problem when a firefighter expresses his sympathy," he told journalists.
After all, he wasn't on assignment.
Rukwied sees the expression of sympathy as a “nice gesture towards our farmers”.
The federal government's concessions are not yet enough for the farmers' association.
The farmers' president therefore announced new protest actions.
But are farmers even allowed to use their tractors for protests?
Customs clarify.
(kas/dpa)