Foreign ministers in Bonn Protests forming against G20 meeting
Bonn · Police have been preparing for the two-day meeting of G20 foreign ministers since December. Security measures also affect WCCB neighbors such as the Deutsche Post. Those critical of the meeting, are planning protests.
28 delegations are expected in Bonn for the G20 workgroup meetings on February 16 and 17. Foreign ministers are here for only two days. Efforts to make sure it all runs without a hitch already started for police back in December of 2016.
The 20 most important industrialized and emerging economies will meet at the World Congress Center Bonn (WCCB) to prepare for the G20 summit in Hamburg in July. When they meet in Bonn, the focus will not only be on security efforts of police, but also on the respect for democratic rights of every citizen.
A broad alliance of groups has already announced protests against the G20 meeting: the Netzwerk Friedenskooperative (Peace Cooperation Network), the Bonn Jugendbewegung (Bonn Youth Movement), the Erwerbslosenforum Deutschland (Unemployment Forum Germany) and the Linke (Left party). Attac, a group critical of globalization, also wants to participate. The start of the demonstration is on Thursday, February 16 at 5 pm. The participants want to meet at the Haus der Geschichte (History Museum) and go from there to the WCCB.
Martin Behrsing of the Unemployment Forum says a reason for the protest is the political tendencies of participating countries. In this context, he describes the new U.S. president Donald Trump as a “racist” and says Russia, China and Turkey are “authoritarian governments.” Bonn police spokesperson Robert Scholten says in terms of the protests, “We are confident that we will find a good solution.” In preparation, the police in Bonn are working together with a special staff in Cologne which “specializes in major events.”
Neighboring firms affected
Large firms such as Deutsche Post and Deutsche Welle are in close proximity to the convention center so they will be affected. Authorities have held talks with the GOP Variety Theater that is right next door to the WCCB. Local residents will receive a handout with information from police. During the two days of the G20 meeting, there will be a special phone number for residents to call with their questions, and information will be provided to the public on social media.
Scholten could not say how many officers will be on the ground, but state and federal police will be a part of the security efforts. Day and night, they will be on duty, also securing hotels like the Marriott, Hilton and the Kameha Grand.
Police see the event as preparation for the even larger climate conference from November 6 - 17, which is expected to have around 20,000 participants. (Orig. text: Philipp Königs)
