Hundreds of Munich residents block streets: protests against IAA Mobility

Hundreds of Munich residents block streets: protests against IAA Mobility

Things are boiling in Munich: On Saturday, September 13, 2025, massive protests took place against the IAA Mobility, Europe's largest car and mobility trade fair. Around 700 people set a visible example against traditional mobility design and the associated environmentally harmful practices with a bicycle demonstration. The demonstrations also included a foot march that brought traffic to a standstill in much of the city and was organized by left-leaning political groups. Speakers criticized not only the IAA, but also the federal government's climate policy and German rearmament. In a country that has historically high emissions, such protests are necessary, activists stress. The Munich police were on site with hundreds of emergency services to ensure security and regulate the traffic situation. Despite the massive movements of the demonstrators, there were no special incidents apart from temporary traffic disruptions.

Already on Friday, September 12th, activists mobilized numerous people and blocked Leopoldstrasse. Some were temporarily detained by the police. In various parts of the city, such as near the BMW World and on the corner of Türkenstrasse and Theresienstrasse, there were scenes of resistance that not only consisted of protest signs, but also clear demands for a change in mobility. Some participants called for more green spaces and a move away from private transport, while others criticized the IAA advertising for electric cars as greenwashing.

A strong sign for climate justice

The IAA, which begins on Tuesday, is in the crossfire of criticism. Noa Neumann, spokesperson for climate justice at Attac, sees the trade fair as a symbol of the all-powerful automotive industry and fossil fuel politics. At Attac we claim to fight for a fairer future in which there are fewer cars on the road and public space is better used for everyone. Neumann emphasizes that the discussion about new mobility concepts, such as citizen buses, is more relevant than ever in order to enable mobility in rural regions. Such concepts should be supported by the state in order to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.

It is striking how mixed the reactions to the protests in Munich are. While some residents take to the streets with interest in the protesters' concerns, others remain skeptical. The protests are not just a snapshot in time, but part of a larger fight for climate justice. According to Attac's observations, the discussion about the EU ban on combustion engines shows that the focus is often far too strong on individual mobility solutions rather than on well-developed local public transport.

Collaboration and new ideas

The Mobiwende Camp has been set up in Munich, a place of exchange where workshops and panels take place in order to network various groups protesting against the IAA. Carla Reemtsma from Fridays for Future puts it in a nutshell: The climate crisis is not only an environmental problem, but also a social problem. The economic injustices that exacerbate the climate crisis are also a central theme in activists' demands. The poorest countries in the Global North in particular have historically been responsible for a large proportion of emissions.

Mobilizing and organizing such protests shows that the population is ready to advocate for fundamental change. The activists are calling for a just transformation towards solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also promote social justice. It remains to be seen how the IAA will react to these massive public reactions and which steps towards sustainable mobility will finally become a reality.