Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
This year's "Revolutionary May Day" protest in Berlin is set to commence at Südstern in Kreuzberg and will likely draw more than 5,000 individuals, with authorities anticipating even higher turnout. The demonstration will proceed from Südstern towards Neukölln, with additional rallies scheduled at Hermannplatz and Sonnenallee according to a police spokesperson.
Notably, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric or posters will not be tolerated at this event. Organizers have been instructed to publicize this guideline to the crowd in both German and Arabic. If such statements are made, police presence with interpreters will ensure prompt intervention, regardless of language. Previous gatherings in Sonnenallee, a district with a predominantly Arab population, have seen pro-Palestinian rallies.
Berlin is also bracing for several left-wing demonstrations on Walpurgis Night, with one being dubbed as the most potentially disruptive - a queer-feminist protest in Friedrichshain. Additionally, left-wing extremists are expected to join the event, with about 150-200 individuals anticipated by the police.
Hamburg is also on high alert, as hundreds of left-wing protesters have registered for a "demonstration against patriarchal violence" in the Schanzenviertel district. The police have warned of possible sudden, unsanctioned marches as well.
In Hamburg on May 1, authorities expect several protests critical of capitalism, with demonstrations planned in the Schanzenviertel area. The police will deploy a large number of officers and anticipate offensive actions such as vandalism and pyrotechnic burnings, particularly at night.
In the Saxon city of Leipzig, the left-wing scene has lined up a queer-feminist rally on Walpurgis Night in Plagwitz, with around 400 participants registered. Two additional May Day demonstrations with 400 and 500 individuals are also scheduled in the city. The police have not disclosed further details regarding their planned actions.
Unlike many German cities, Frankfurt am Main is unlikely to experience any significant altercations on May Day. The left-wing scene in the city is planning a "Revolutionary May Day 2024: Unite struggles" gathering from 6 p.m., although the police don't anticipate any major violence.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, is preparing for a more peaceful "Revolutionary May Day Demonstration" in the city center, although authorities foresee some minor disagreements. Last year's events in the Baden-Württemberg state capital saw clashes necessitating the use of pepper spray and batons against participants deemed left-wing extremists.
Read also:
Source: www.stern.de
