TTIP: Berlin Protest Against Free-Trade Deal Between EU and US

A massive protest against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the planned free-trade deal between the EU and US, took place in Berlin on October 10.

Organizers said 250,000 people took part in the rally; police put the figure at around 100,000.

Opponents of the TTIP say it is undemocratic and threatens consumer and worker rights.

However, supporters of the deal, which lowers trade barriers, say it would boost economies and create jobs.

Hundreds of buses shuttled protesters to the demonstration in Berlin.

“We are here because we do not want to leave the future to markets, but on the contrary to save democracy,” Michael Mueller, president of the ecological organization German Friends of Nature, told AFP.

The German government supports the trade pact, with Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel warning of “scaremongering” in a letter published in several German newspapers.

Talks on the TTIP are due to finish in 2016. If agreed it would be the biggest trade deal of its kind.

Clyde K. Valle

Clyde is a business graduate interested in writing about latest news in politics and business. He enjoys writing and is about to publish his first book. He’s a pet lover and likes to spend time with family. When the time allows he likes to go fishing waiting for the muse to come.