The opponents of the IAA motor show, which begins next week in Munich, are in the starting blocks. Numerous organizations are planning demonstrations, blockades and other protests. An overview of key players.
action alliances
The action alliances Sand in the Gears, No Futurefor IAA and SmashIAA announced that they would “disrupt the course of the IAA with actions of civil disobedience”. Among other things, they criticize the IAA’s appropriation of public space, “neo-colonial exploitation” by the auto industry and, in view of the climate crisis, call for a change in mobility. The focus will be Friday and Saturday of the coming weekend. Further details about the plans were not initially known.
Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion (XR) also relies on civil disobedience. “In view of the climate crisis, holding a promotional event for car companies in Munich is pure mockery,” writes XR on the Internet. “After another extreme year with fires, droughts and floods worldwide, this is simply no longer acceptable.” On Monday, activists want to rappel down from a bridge near BMW World, according to the announcement. XR is also part of the big demo on September 10th. A spokeswoman initially did not provide any information about further actions. “It’s definitely going to be disruptive,” she announced.
Fridays for Future
The Fridays for Future movement wants to use large-scale demonstrations to draw attention to the impending dangers of global warming and to advocate better climate protection. “We want climate justice and are frustrated by the government’s actions,” said a spokesman from Munich. A protest rally was already planned for Friday (September 1st), and Fridays for Future also wants to take part in the large demo on September 10th. At the industry meeting of the IAA, the big car manufacturers tried to wash their slate clean with an apparently ecological and sustainable image, according to the criticism of the group, which calls on schoolchildren in particular to go on climate strikes during school hours, following the example of the Swede Greta Thunberg.
demos and camps
To the big demo
Critics of the IAA are planning a mobility turnaround camp in Munich’s Luitpoldpark from September 5th to 10th. The organizers expect 1,500 overnight guests and 5,000 to 6,000 visitors. The camp itself would not take any actions against the fair, but they support the large demo on September 10th. The camp, organized by an alliance of IAA opponents, took place two years ago. At that time still on the Theresienwiese, which is not available this year due to the approaching Oktoberfest.
Greenpeace is also active. Young people want to paint a huge street picture with chalk paints on the pavement at Stachus. There will also be a panel discussion between climate protection organizations and the Association of the Automotive Industry. Tomorrow, Sunday, Greenpeace will be taking part in an action picture with groups such as Attac, Bund Naturschutz and Deutsche Umwelthilfe. Hundreds of people want to form a lettering on Maximilianstrasse. Transport policy must consistently focus on rail and not on large, climate-damaging cars, which the companies exhibiting at the IAA still mostly sell, she said.
The anti-globalization network Attac is taking part in the large demonstration. In addition, on the opening day of the trade fair, it wants to “symbolically have a large 1.5 degree sign lit”.
CSU interior minister warns demonstrators
The Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) expects protests “from the anti-capitalist and climate policy camp,” as he recently announced. In addition, there are the blockades of the “last generation”. “All peaceful demonstrators are welcome in Munich,” emphasized the minister, but announced: “We will not tolerate any crimes! Anyone who coerces people on the road, damages someone else’s property or is even violent towards other people or hinders rescue workers must come along expect the police to intervene.”
In the run-up to the event, the Munich police turned in particular to the “last generation”. If they continue their actions, the police have no choice but to exhaust “all available legal means”. “This also includes the long-term detention of people.”
The “Last Generation” has been active in Munich for some time with blockades and protests. According to a spokeswoman, these should continue unchanged during the IAA.
