Hundreds of thousands took to city streets across Germany on Saturday as they marched against a pair of corporate-backed trade deals they say will undermine democracy, attack workers and local economies, and accelerate the threats posed by corporate hegemony and global warming.
“These agreements will weaken food safety laws, environmental legislation, banking regulations and undermine the sovereign powers of nations.” —Jennifer Morgan, Greenpeace International
Taking aim at both the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), European Union deals with the United States and Canada respectively, opponents say the agreements are not really concerned with expanding trade but rather increasing corporate power.
“CETA and TTIP threaten environmental and consumer protection for millions of people in Europe and North America,” said Jennifer Morgan, co-executive director of Greenpeace International. “These agreements will weaken food safety laws, environmental legislation, banking regulations and undermine the sovereign powers of nations.”
In a tweeted video, Morgan added:
And others used the #StopCETATTIP hashtag to share photos, thoughts, and updates during the day of action:
With large rallies in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Frankfurt, and other cities – the crowds have been estimated at anywhere from 250,000 to 320,000 nationwide.
Though TTIP negotiations, as Common Dreams reported, were said to have “de facto failed” last month, U.S. President Barack Obama has vowed to see the deal approved. And despite widespread opposition German Chancellor Angela Merkel also remains supportive.
Despite the precarious negotiations, the people in the streets on Saturday appear unwilling to take any chances. As those who spoke with the BBC indicated:
In photos: