By Abbas Nazil
Thousands of people took to the streets across Germany on Saturday, calling for a faster transition to renewable energy and criticizing the government for slowing climate action.
Demonstrations were held in major cities including Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, with protesters carrying placards bearing messages such as “renewables are our life” and “escape the fossil fuel trap.”
Organisers estimated that around 80,000 people participated nationwide, although police figures were significantly lower in some locations.
The protests were coordinated by a coalition of environmental and advocacy groups, including Campact, Greenpeace, and WWF, who argue that the current government is failing to meet the urgency of the climate crisis.
Speaking at the Berlin rally, Campact representative Christoph Bautz said rising energy prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions highlight the need for Germany to rapidly move away from fossil fuels.
He accused Economy Minister Katherina Reiche of attempting to slow the renewable energy transition, describing the approach as outdated and aligned with the interests of the oil and gas industry.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative-led coalition has faced increasing criticism over policies seen as weakening climate commitments.
These include support for easing European Union car emissions standards and plans to expand gas-fired power generation.
The government, however, argues that such measures are necessary to ease pressure on Germany’s struggling industrial sector, which has been hit hard by high energy costs.
Officials say balancing economic recovery with climate goals remains a key priority for Europe’s largest economy.
Despite Germany’s significant progress in expanding solar and wind energy, concerns are growing that the country could miss its ambitious climate targets under current policies.
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer of the Fridays for Future movement said she was surprised by the large turnout, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with government actions.
She criticized what she described as weak justifications for delaying the energy transition, adding that many citizens are no longer convinced by official explanations.
Organisers reported turnout figures of about 24,000 in Berlin, 30,000 in Cologne, 15,000 in Hamburg, and 12,000 in Munich, while police estimates were much lower in some cities.
The protests underscore mounting pressure on the German government to accelerate renewable energy adoption and strengthen its climate policies amid growing public concern over environmental and economic challenges.
