Olaf Scholz calls climate activists ‘crazy’ who stick themselves to paintings in museums

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday criticized climate activists, whom he called “crazy” for radical protests such as blocking streets or sticking famous paintings in museums.

“I think it’s complete madness when someone sticks to a picture or a street,” Scholz said during a visit to an elementary school in the city of Kleinmachnow on the outskirts of Berlin, German news agency DPA reported.

The Chancellor added that he does not think that anyone’s opinion on climate change can be changed by such actions, and that, on the contrary, these protests irritate people.

Members of a group called The Last Generation have blocked roads in Germany to force the government to take stronger action against climate change.

In recent weeks, they have been able to stop traffic in Berlin almost every day, sticking to intersections and high-traffic motorways.

In recent months, they have also been glued to various paintings in Berlin and other cities.

While some people support the protesters’ fight for climate protection, others, notably angry drivers stuck in traffic, have tried to forcibly remove them, despite government warnings that drivers should not act like bystanders.

The latest generation wants to end the use of fossil fuels in Germany by 2030 and short-term measures, such as simulating a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour on motorways, as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

Despite his criticism of activists on Monday, Scholz is committed to transforming the German economy to be greener and more environmentally friendly.

The German government ensures that environmental protection is one of its priorities. Among its goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2030 from 1990 levels and to significantly increase the production of renewable energy without the use of fossil fuels.