Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, tried to persuade other members of the European Union to close their ski resorts due to concerns about the coronavirus.
The Financial Times reported last Thursday that Merkel has faced resistance from countries such as Austria. Sebastian Kurz, the Austrian chancellor, indicated he has little intention to close these venues at the height of the Christmas holiday. Kurz, who, like Merkel, has faced protests in his country over virus lockdowns, told the paper he does not believe this is a matter “in which the EU should interfere.”
The European Commission also seemed to be at odds over Merkel’s announcement and agreed with Kurz that this is “not a European competence.” French Prime Minister Jean Castex said ski resorts could remain open in France but skiers would not be permitted to use ski lifts.
Anti-lockdown protests emerged last Saturday on Germany’s border with Poland, which included about 2,000 demonstrators including Germans and Poles, according to DW.com. The protest broke out at German town Frankfurt-an-der-Oder, which is near the Polish town of Slubice, the report said.
TREND FORECAST: Protests will continue to escalate in lockdown nations across the globe as economic conditions deteriorate. The confrontations will be between those marching for Freedom and Peace vs. the COVID Cop Command put in charge by politicians to stifle dissent.
