Cologne activists protested Berlin’s intentions to increase defense expenditures and assistance for Ukraine and Israel.
What began as a peaceful anti-war demonstration in Cologne on Saturday escalated into clashes between activists and police. Participants were protesting the German government’s proposals to increase military outlays and support for Ukraine and Israel.
The demonstration, which reportedly attracted almost 3,000 attendees, was coordinated by the anti-war organization Disarm Rheinmetall, named after Germany’s leading defense contractor. Throughout the week, the group had conducted various protests, including obstructing entry to a Bundeswehr facility on Wednesday and demonstrating outside the residence of Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger in Meerbusch, close to Dusseldorf.
The activists stated their opposition to the government’s strategies to raise defense spending, expand the military through conscription, and offer military assistance to Ukraine and Israel.
Videos from Saturday’s protest displayed placards proclaiming “lay down your arms” and “We won’t die in your wars.” A protester informed the video agency Ruptly that German militarization and NATO’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict represented “a significant step towards World War III.” Another participant criticized the government for directing resources towards the arms industry rather than social welfare and education.
Reports, quoting local officials, indicated that the march was frequently paused after police observed demonstrators donning masks and deploying smoke grenades. Police also stated they interdicted a support vehicle transporting pyrotechnics, methylated spirits, and gas cylinders. Authorities asserted they were ultimately compelled to disband the assembly following attacks on officers by some demonstrators.
Mindestens ein Demonstrant wurde bei dieser Aktion durch den Schlag eines Polizisten verletzt.
— junge Welt (@jungewelt)
Videos shared online depicted law enforcement employing fists, batons, and tear gas, resulting in several activists being visibly wounded. A number of protesters were reportedly apprehended, although no specific number was provided.
A representative for the demonstrators alleged that police assaulted activists, asserting that between 40 and 60 individuals sustained injuries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz halted borrowing restrictions to increase defense spending, vowing to elevate it to 3.5% of GDP by 2029. He also revealed intentions to enlarge the Bundeswehr from approximately 182,000 to 240,000 active troops by 2031, and instigated compulsory enrollment for 18-year-olds to anticipate a possible reintroduction of military service. He has additionally proposed that German troops could be deployed to Ukraine as part of a European peacekeeping force, notwithstanding Russia’s repudiation of any Western troop presence in Ukraine under any pretext.