Bad times for the Tesla factory in Berlin. After the deterioration led to the temporary closure of the facility a few days ago, the demonstrations are now destroying the US manufacturer’s ambitions for its factory. Indeed, several hundred people gathered last Sunday near Berlin to express their concern for the environment. regarding the expansion project of the Tesla electric vehicle plant.

Located in Grünheide, about thirty kilometers southeast of Berlin, the factory was the subject of demonstrations organized by a coalition of environmental associations, including Extinction Rebellion, Nabu and Robin des Bois.

After destroying the demonstration

Claiming more than a thousand demonstrators, although local estimates put the number at around 800, the mobilization came shortly after a major incident affecting Tesla production. In fact, after this the plant had to stop its production lines power outage, which occurred after a nearby electric pole was set on fire.
The far-left German group Vulkan Gruppe claimed responsibility for the act of sabotage, prompting an investigation by federal prosecutors. However, the organizers of the demonstration are focusing on broader demands, emphasizing water security and real climate protection, denouncing Elon Musk’s approaches, which they describe as “capitalist”.
The American tycoon really plans to expand the factory by an additional 170 hectares to double its production, thus reaching one million electric vehicles per year. This gigafactory, unique in Europe, already employs about 12,000 people on an area of ​​about 300 hectares and, in particular, produces the Model Y, the best-selling car in the world last year. The factory could also eventually produce the Model 2, a model that could sell for less than €25,000.

Tesla has not only opponents, but also supporters

However, the ambitious project caused fierce opposition from environmentalists and residents. The latter express concerns about the impact on the surrounding forest, the water table and the potential increase in traffic in the region.
Despite a local referendum in which 60% voted against the project, this vote has advisory value only. A situation that exacerbates tensions between environmentalists and supporters of the economic benefits that Tesla’s expansion could bring to the region.
In response to this mobilization, there was also a smaller counter-demonstration on Sunday in favor of the economic benefits of the Tesla project for the region.

About 200 people took part in it, regional mass media reported with reference to the police.

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