Germany: Thousands of anti-coal protesters want to save Lützerath

German police make protesters gathered in Lützerath against the extension of the coal mine, January 14, 2023. © INA FASSBENDER / AFP

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1 min

Following a compromise, the old abandoned village of Lützerath (western Germany) must be destroyed to allow the extension of an open pit coal mine.

This Saturday, a large demonstration mobilized thousands of people.

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With our correspondent in Berlin,

It was in the mud and in the rain that the demonstration took place by activists opposed to the disappearance of the village of Lützerath in favor of the extension of an open-pit coal mine, one of the largest in 'Europe.

Protesters from all over Germany made the trip.

Greta Thunberg was also present on site.

“

 ,” she said.

The Swedish activist also criticized the German government for making the deal with German energy giant RWE, which foresees Lützerath disappearing, but five other villages being saved, and the abandonment of advanced coal from 2038 to 2030.

#Lutzerath pic.twitter.com/GexWuRg7mj

— Judith 🌱💚🌍📚 (@judithlammers) January 14, 2023

Clashes with the police

The 35,000 demonstrators according to the organizers – 15,000 according to the police – were not convinced by this compromise.

They tried unsuccessfully to enter the site of the former village from which around fifty anti-coal activists have not yet been expelled.

Clashes took place between the demonstrators and the police and injuries are to be deplored.

With the onset of night, most coal opponents had left the site.

Since the middle of the week, the police have been active in

who occupied the site.

► To read also: International report - Germany: the transformation of mining operations faces many difficulties

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