Protest at Munich's Car Exhibition: Clash on Marienplatz
The International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) is set to commence next Tuesday, but not without controversy. A group of climate activists led by Attac and Extinction Rebellion have voiced their disapproval of the event, symbolising an auto industry that refuses to transform towards more climate-friendly mobility.
On Thursday, a protest took place in Marienplatz, Munich, with activists demonstrating under a large red banner that read "Housing over Horsepower". Daniela Bertler, a climate activist with Extinction Rebellion, spoke during the protest, criticising the IAA for blocking city centres with luxury cars while the transport sector lags behind in meeting climate goals. She argued that the IAA should focus on addressing real problems of people, such as housing shortages.
Attac has announced they will sink an "Autosaurus" in the exhibition lake in front of the main entrance during the IAA opening. The VCD has joined in the criticism, stating that the IAA returns to Munich with shiny cars, empty promises, and a vision of the future stuck in traffic. They believe that the IAA neglects livable mobility and real climate protection measures.
The IAA will have over 700 exhibitors, and a camp will take place during the event in Luitpoldpark, where activists will discuss "utopias of a more democratic and just world." A run demo starting at 2:30 p.m. at Karolinenplatz and leading back to the camp in Luitpoldpark will also take place on Saturday, September 13. Another bike demo for the transport turnaround will start at 12 p.m. from Luitpoldpark to Karolinenplatz on the same day.
A total of 8,000 officers will be available during the IAA, with 2,500 police officers on duty in the city on Saturday, September 13. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) are expected to attend the opening of the IAA next Tuesday.
The "Corso Leopold" cultural festival will also take place on Leopoldstraße over the weekend (13.9 and 14.9). On Saturday (13.9), the FC Bayern and the promoted HSV from Hamburg will meet for the first time in eight years at the Allianz Arena.
As the IAA approaches, it remains to be seen how the climate activists' protests will impact the event and the auto industry's vision for a more sustainable future.
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