“Last Generation” Activists Step Into Politics: A New Party for the EU Elections

In an ambitious move that signals a significant shift from street protests to political engagement, the climate activist group known as “Letzte Generation” has announced its intention to form a new party to contest in the European elections of 2024. This development represents a bold step by the activists, well-known for their disruptive blockade actions, to bring their climate advocacy to the heart of European policymaking.

From Protest to Parliament

“Letzte Generation,” a name that translates to “Last Generation,” has made headlines for their direct-action tactics aimed at drawing attention to urgent climate issues. The group’s spokesperson, Carla Hinrichs, and one of its founders, Henning Jeschke, shared their plans during an online conference, expressing their desire to transition their resistance from the streets to the seats of the European Parliament. With a message centered on being the “voice of those who wish to survive,” the group is gearing up to challenge the status quo and inject a new dynamism into EU climate policy discussions.

A Challenge of Time and Resources

The activists face a race against time to meet the electoral participation requirements, including gathering sufficient support and financial resources. They have initiated a “Community Challenge” to rally 100 volunteers and raise €50,000 to support their campaign. Despite the tight timeline, Jeschke remains optimistic, citing the European electoral system’s allowance for representation with a relatively small percentage of the vote.

Organizational Hurdles and Goals

Before they can officially enter the political arena, “Letzte Generation” must navigate several organizational hurdles, such as collecting 4,000 valid signatures by early March and registering their party with the Federal Election Officer. While the party’s official name has yet to be announced, the initiative is driven by a conviction that the current parliamentary discourse lacks a truthful representation of the climate crisis and a willingness to address it head-on.

Potential Impact and Reception

Political analysts, like Hermann Binkert from INSA, speculate that the “Letzte Generation” party could attract voters from the Greens and the Left, especially those disillusioned with the compromises inherent in coalition politics. The group’s clear stance on climate issues and their promise of unwavering commitment to their cause may resonate with a segment of the electorate seeking more radical solutions to the climate crisis.

A New Form of Resistance

The announcement comes on the heels of the group’s decision to evolve their protest strategies, moving away from road blockades to “disobedient assemblies” across the country. This transition reflects a broader strategy to influence climate policy more effectively and marks a significant evolution in their approach to activism.

As “Letzte Generation” prepares for the European elections, their journey from street-level protests to the political stage underscores a growing trend of activists seeking to effect change from within the system. With their eyes set on securing at least one mandate, the group aims to demonstrate that a small fraction of the vote can make a substantial impact in the fight against climate change. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on this new political force and its potential to shake up the European climate policy landscape.