Regardless of the plans for energy price brakes, demonstrations against energy policy have again taken place in the north-east. Arms deliveries to Ukraine were also criticized. In Wismar, the fire in a nearby refugee accommodation was also briefly an issue.
Schwerin/Wismar/Waren (dpa/mv) - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, several thousand people have again protested against German energy policy and arms deliveries to Ukraine. As police spokesman said on Monday evening, about 6,000 demonstrators came together in more than 12 cities. The actions were still going on in some places. Most of the participants were counted again in Schwerin with 1600 women and men. In addition, there were several hundred people in Wismar, Parchim, Ludwigslust, Güstrow, Neubrandenburg, Neustrelitz and Waren an der Müritz, among others.
Speakers in several places called for effective government support to curb electricity and gas prices and protect businesses and their workers. Politicians must take people's concerns seriously and seek dialogue. In Wismar and Neubrandenburg, demands were also made for a diplomatic solution to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. "Diplomacy instead of tanks" was written on banners.
Before the demonstration in Waren, an open letter from the city representatives and the protest organizers was presented. It calls for faster and more sustainable help for citizens and companies in the course of the energy crisis from the federal and state governments. Increasing price increases and growing uncertainty in the energy supply unsettled people.
An exceptional situation is emerging that could have serious consequences for everyday life. Companies feared for their livelihoods, the city and region for their quality of life. Representatives of the SPD, Left, CDU, AfD, Greens, a citizens' initiative and the FDP signed the letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the Schwerin state government.
In Wismar, one of the initiators of the protest protested against representations that the protests in northwestern Mecklenburg came from "the right corner" and criticized Wismar's mayor Thomas Beyer (SPD). He claimed that the demonstrations also paved the way for violent attacks such as the alleged arson attack on the refugee accommodation in Groß Strömkendorf near Wismar. The cause of the fire has not yet been clarified, the woman said. Irrespective of whether a political background is confirmed, arson should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
The former hotel, which still housed 14 people from Ukraine, was largely burned down late Wednesday evening. The police assume arson, a political background is being checked by state security. The fire investigator's report is not yet available.
