Hundreds of protesters have gathered in cities across Germany to demonstrate against the government's Covid restrictions and looming discussions on mandatory vaccinations.
Demonstrators took to the streets of cities including Berlin, Cologne and Leipzig on Monday evening to protest against Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision to toughen restrictions as Germany faces another surge in Covid cases.
The protests come as lawmakers in the Bundestag are set to debate whether to follow Austria and make vaccines mandatory for Germans.
ROSTOCK, GERMANY: Hundreds of protesters have gathered in cities across Germany to demonstrate against the government's Covid restrictions and looming discussions on mandatory vaccinations
ROSTOCK, GERMANY: Police officers in riot gear were seen forming a line in an attempt to stop a group of protesters from advancing down the streets in Rostock on Monday night
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: A riot police officer (left) stands up against a protester demonstrating against right-wing participation in the anti-vaccination movement on Monday night
Police officers in riot gear were seen forming a line in an attempt to stop a group of protesters from advancing down the streets in Rostock on Monday night.
The protests in other cities such as Frankfurt and Lubeck appeared to be largely peaceful on Monday night.
Last week, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in scores of German towns and cities, with police reporting sporadic violence at the demonstrations.
The protests follow a decision by Chancellor Scholz and the 16 state governors on Friday to toughen requirements for entry to restaurants and bars.
The leaders build on restrictions introduced just after Christmas that limited private gatherings to 10 people and effectively shut nightclubs.
People have already been required for some time to show proof of full vaccination or recovery to enter restaurants and bars — as well as many nonessential shops, theaters and cinemas.
COLOGNE, GERMANY: Hundreds of vaccine skeptics gather in front of Dom Cathedral on Monday night
BRUNSWICK, GERMANY: Protestors attend a demonstration against coronavirus restrictions and compulsory vaccinations on Monday night
BONN, GERMANY: People protest during the weekly Monday evening stroll against vaccine mandates and coronavirus-related restrictions
Friday's decision calls for the requirements to be ratcheted up for restaurants and bars. Customers will have to show either that they have received a booster shot or provide a negative test result on top of proof that they have been vaccinated or recovered.
'Half the population will be boosted ... in a few days' and will be able to go to
