Germany’s left-wing chancellor criticizes ‘crazy’ climate protesters who block streets and deface art

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was heavily criticized on Monday climate activists as “nuts” for radical protests like blocking the streets or sticking themselves to famous paintings in museums.

“I think it’s completely crazy to somehow stick to a painting or on the street,” Scholz said during a visit to an elementary school in the town of Kleinmachnow near Berlin, German news agency dpa reported.

The chancellor added that he did not think about anyone’s opinion changing of the climate can be changed by such actions, but that these protests angered people.

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“I don’t think this action will help,” Scholz told the students.

Members of the Last Generation group have repeatedly blocked roads across Germany in an attempt to force the government to take stronger action against climate change.

In recent weeks, they have stopped traffic in Berlin almost daily, sticking to busy interchanges and motorways. They have also stuck to various paintings in Berlin and elsewhere over the past year.

Olaf Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the tactics of European climate protesters during a visit on Monday to an elementary school in the Berlin area, calling it “completely crazy to somehow stick to a picture or on the street.” (Soeren Stache/dpa via AP)

The group reacted angrily to Scholz’s remarks, accusing him of ignoring the risk that global warming poses to young people.

“How dare you stand in front of the kids whose future you are currently destroying and say that you think the protests against your destructive policies are “completely crazy?” the statement says.

The group called on Scholz and his government to do more to combat climate change.

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While some support the climate protesters’ fight, others – especially angry drivers stuck in traffic – are trying to force the activists off the roads, even though officials have repeatedly warned motorists not to be vigilant.

Last Generation wants Germany to end all fossil fuels by 2030 and take short-term measures, including imposing a general speed limit of 62 mph on motorways as a way to cut transport emissions.

Although on Monday Scholz criticized the way activists are drawing attention to global warming, his government insists it is committed to transforming Germany’s economy to be greener and climate-friendly.

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German government insists that climate protection is one of its main objectives. He has said he wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% from 1990 levels by 2030, and he has plans to boost renewable energy production while phasing out fossil fuels.