Road-blocking German climate activists consider founding political party – media report

German climate activist group “Last Generation,” known for its controversial forms of protest, such as road blockages and attacks on artworks, is considering the establishment of a political party, reports newspaper Die Welt. In video recordings of a digital network meeting seen by the newspaper, activist Caris Connel, who is one of the better-known representatives of the movement, said “Now we are trying to found a political party.” She added that political parties enjoy particular protection under German law, according to the report. In a statement, the group later specified that they currently did not have "concrete plans" to found a party. But the group also said the "idea of using a party as a form of organisation" had come up several times in the past six months, but had been “put on hold” for now, even though the idea was “not far-fetched.”
The group explained that the main benefit of founding a party is “not about donations, but about the constitutional ‘rank and protection’ of political work, which is only granted to parties.” Last Generation said that since the movement was currently taking on social responsibility instead of parties, it seemed only fair to have the same benefits.

Protests by Last Generation in Germany greatly increased in their number and impact throughout 2022. Activists repeatedly disturbed inner city traffic by gluing themselves to the asphalt, or startled museum visitors by tainting exhibition pieces with washable paint and other substances. Many conservative politicians criticised the protests and called for harsh punishments, while even more sympathetic lawmakers - for example from the Green Party - warned the escalation of protest methods is counterproductive and could alienate citizens who generally support stronger climate action.