Background
Protests were reported throughout Europe on Saturday, 20 March, due to rising tensions over COVID-19 restrictions. Germany, Britain, Finland, Austria, Romania, and Switzerland all reported protests against government response to the virus and the vaccine.
Germany
In downtown Kassel, German police clashed with far-right protesters marching. Over 20,000 Germans took to the streets to protest, most not wearing face masks. The police were reported to have used water cannons, pepper spray, clubs and helicopters to manage the crowd, and several people were detained although the exact numbers were not reported. There were also reported clashes between far-right protesters and counter-protesters.
This is in response to an exponential growth of new cases in Germany in the most recent weeks as the government slowly distributes vaccinations. Germany has also seen a rise in a more contagious variant of the COVID-19.
Meanwhile Berlin only reported about 500 protesters at Brandenburg Gate and 1,000 counter-protesters against the far-right demonstration at Unter den Linden boulevard. 1,800 police were on standby in preparation for the Berlin protests.
Although Germany was at one point a global leader in COVID-19 management, only 8.5% of Germans have received their first shot. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that her priority is COVID-19 vaccinations despite delays in Europe’s AstraZeneca vaccine approval due to fears of blood clots from the vaccine.
Previously there were several reports that Merkel had refused to take the vaccine; however, this has been denied by Merkel. On Friday, Merkel said she herself would “take the AstraZeneca vaccine” but that she “would like to wait until it’s [her] turn but [she] would in any case.”
#BreakingNews An anti-lockdown demonstration took place in Kassel, Germany.
The demonstrators tried to break through the police barriers. pic.twitter.com/rByonMTd4K— Conflict News (@ConflictCollec1) March 21, 2021
Britain
In London, where there are still penalties for large group meetings, protesters demonstrated against the lockdown. Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters gathered in London. 36 people were arrested, most for violating COVID-19 guidance and regulations.
Overall Prime Minister Boris Johnson has managed a relatively quick vaccine rollout despite criticism over his virus response in 2020. However Johnson is reportedly planning to roll out more restrictions on protesting throughout the country that have raised strong criticism. 60 British lawmakers took action to try to change the law and allow protests despite the large group restriction.
Finland
In the capital, Helsinki, about 400 Finnish residents protested government restrictions for COVID-19. These protesters were largely reported to not be wearing masks and to be ignoring all protective guidelines.
Helsinki police reported that although social distancing was not observed, the march was registered and was peaceful.
Austria
In protest of government COVID-19 restrictions, about 1000 protesters in Vienna, Austria gathered near the central train station.
Romania
In Bucharest, Romania over 1,000 anti-vaccine protesters demonstrated holding signs with slogans condemning the vaccine. This protest was endorsed by the far-right, nationalism party, the Alliance for Romanian Unity (AUR).
Switzerland
Southeast of the city of Basel, over 5,000 anti-vaccine protesters gathered in a silent and peaceful protest.
#BreakingNews video from protest in Vienna Austria. That were part of the European Anti-lockdown protest. pic.twitter.com/jU6lEd9qkb
— Conflict News (@ConflictCollec1) March 21, 2021
AK Wilson – Freelance journalist based out of the United States
