In the next two days, the tranquil Münster will be in the focus of the world public. In addition to prominent politicians, thousands of activists are also expected.
Münster (dpa/lnw) – world politics, demonstrations, snipers on the roofs – on Thursday and Friday there will be a state of emergency in Münster in view of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the G7. With Annalena Baerbock (Greens), her US colleague Antony Blinken and representatives of the five other states, political prominence is expected in Westphalia. In addition, numerous activists want to use the meeting for protests.
According to the Münster police, a total of 13 demonstrations have been registered for the coming days. A demonstration with around 5,000 participants is planned for Thursday afternoon under the motto “No peace through G7”. At the same time, Fridays for Future and other climate activists want to pull through the city center at a “large climate demonstration” with 1,000 to 2,000 participants. A rally by the National Council of Resistance of Iran is to demonstrate for more support for the civil protests in the country.
The Münster police have been preparing for weeks. Security measures include snipers on the roofs. According to the police, they have no indication of a specific threat. In the city center, an area around the conference venue will be cordoned off.
The meeting takes place in the historic town hall – a place with symbolic power. More than 370 years ago, the Peace of Westphalia was negotiated there, which is considered a milestone on the way to a European peace order. This legacy must be preserved, Baerbock told the “Westfälische Nachrichten”. That is why she deliberately chose this symbolic place as a conference venue in these difficult times.
Germany will hold the G7 presidency until the end of the year. In addition to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the meeting should deal with dealing with China and Iran. Representatives of African countries are also invited.
