Blume condemns color attacks by the "last generation"
Science Minister Markus Blume (CSU) has strongly condemned paint attacks by the "Last Generation" on university buildings. "The 'Last Generation' is the very last thing. Paint attacks are not peaceful protest and certainly not climate protection, but damage to property," Blume told the German Press Agency in Munich on Wednesday. "Under the guise of climate protection, blind destructiveness is to become acceptable."
Blume emphasized that "a consistent reaction" was needed. "Such actions must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the perpetrators must be held liable for damages," he demanded.
"The fact that universities are also being targeted is completely nonsensical and perfidious," said Blume. "Science provides solutions and is the sharpest weapon in the fight against the climate crisis. The motto must be: Research instead of paint bags."
Most recently, climate activists stained the façade of the university library in Erlangen with orange paint, among other things. The "Last Generation" group claimed responsibility for the campaign. According to the group, it is aimed at both students and lecturers at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. In view of the climate crisis, they should take to the streets and not sit in the lecture hall.
Climate activists had previously smeared buildings at the universities of Regensburg, Würzburg and Passau, among others, with paint.
Blume expressed concern over the targeted demonstrations at universities, as the "Last Generation" group also defaced the university library in Erlangen with paint. The minister stated that such criminal actions against educational institutions are illogical and treacherous, undermining the crucial role of universities in climate solution research.
Source: www.dpa.com
