The contrasts could hardly be greater: “Tesla no thanks” say some – others want to set an example for good cooperation with Elon Musk’s US company.
Peace is unlikely to return to the only Tesla factory in Europe in Grünheide near Berlin, five days after the attack on its power supply. The violent attack sparked growing uncertainty in the region.
Environmental activists demonstrated on Sunday in Grünheide against Tesla’s expansion plans, accompanied by police forces. In addition, the occupation of a forest not far from the factory has been going on for more than ten days. The Tesla settlement also received support over the weekend: Some residents who support the company also took to the streets. At times there was verbal friction between the two demonstration camps.
Environmental initiatives have now distanced themselves from a left-wing extremist group that claimed responsibility for the attack on Tesla. The spokesman for the Grünheide citizens’ initiative, Steffen Schorcht, said that an attack was not a means of political debate. In any case, the company has to accept massive consequences.
Tesla expected production to be halted until the end of the week due to the power outage. Employees gathered in front of the plant on Friday evening in solidarity. The attack on a freely accessible electricity pylon, which also supplies the car factory, also caused a broad debate about better protection for energy networks in Germany. The network operator Edis said specialists were working around the clock to repair the damaged mast and were making progress in construction. It remained unclear when the power supply for Tesla would work again.
Environmental alliance speaks of more than 1000 people at the Tesla protest demo
According to the spokeswoman for the environmental alliance “Turn off Tesla”, Lou Winters, well over 1000 participants demonstrated on Sunday afternoon in Grünheide against an expansion of the Tesla site for a freight station and logistics and storage areas. The police did not provide any information about the number of participants. The demonstrators called on politicians to implement the citizens’ vote against the Tesla plans and prevent the expansion. In a survey, a majority of residents rejected the expansion. The demo participants were diverse; some came by bicycle and families also took part in the demonstration. “Trees instead of concrete – Stop Gigafactory” read one sign.
Residents are also demonstrating for close cooperation with Tesla
At the same time as the protest demonstration, residents wanted to send a sign of support for Tesla. According to the organizer, more than 100 people came together – a banner read: “Dialogue instead of professional protest”. The organizers previously wrote in solidarity with Tesla: “We welcome the presence and strive for close cooperation to achieve common goals. An attack on Tesla is an attack on us.” The attack represents a threat to cohesion in the community. “We are worried that this will escalate,” said demo registrant Albrecht Köhler.
Forest occupiers don’t want to clear camps with tree houses
Tesla opponents announced on Sunday that they did not want to give up their forest occupation for a long time. When asked whether they wanted to be cooperative in the event of an impending eviction, a spokeswoman for the “Stop Tesla” initiative said: “We will stay until we are sure that the forest and water will no longer be sold to Tesla.” The police said on Sunday that they were keeping a close eye on gatherings in the forest. So far the police have allowed the camp until March 15th. After the attack on Tesla’s power supply, it was also said that tolerance would be reassessed.
More protection for energy networks required
The Federal Association for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (BSKI) sees a lot of catching up to do when it comes to protecting electricity pylons in Germany. “There is still a huge area of activity here,” said the association’s deputy chairman, Hans-Walter Borries, on Saturday on rbb Inforadio. Energy suppliers and network operators would have to invest in security measures to install cameras, motion detectors and sensors on electricity poles in sensitive positions. The Federal Network Agency also sees the need to improve security and referred to the planned so-called Kritis umbrella law.
GRÜNHEIDE (dpa-AFX)
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