Climate activists spray Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate orange | Albiseyler

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Associated Press

BERLIN – German climate activists sprayed orange paint on Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate on Sunday morning to call on the German government to take more urgent action against climate change.

Members of The Last Generation used fire extinguishers filled with paint to spray all six columns of the popular landmark in the German capital.

The group’s priorities include getting Germany to phase out all fossil fuels by 2030 and taking short-term measures, including introducing a blanket speed limit of 62mph on motorways, to reduce emissions more quickly.

“The protest makes it clear: It’s time for political change,” the group said in a statement. “Away from fossil fuels – towards justice.”

Police sealed off the area around the Brandenburg Gate and confirmed that they had detained 14 activists linked to the Last Generation.

The group, best known for its protests in which activists stick to roads and block traffic, plays a provocative and polarizing role in German politics and society.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the group’s actions, saying their tactics went beyond legitimate forms of protest.

“With these actions, this group is damaging not only the historic Brandenburg Gate, but also our free discussion about the important issues of our time and future,” he told the German news agency dpa.