Spree river swimming protest moves to land due to water quality

A planned swimming demonstration in Berlin's Spree river was forced to remain on land due to poor water quality. The event, organized by the association Flussbad Berlin, transitioned into a rally at Schinkelplatz to protest the century-old swimming ban in the river.

Speakers at the demonstration included Die Linke candidate Elif Eralp, Volksbühne director Matthias Lilienthal, and Volt candidate Anna Auerbach. The association aims to make the Spree a clean, accessible public space, noting that many European cities are reopening rivers to citizens to combat climate change effects. They are currently advocating for a pilot bathing site in the Spree Canal.

In solidarity with the protesters, the Volksbühne's public swimming facility remained closed for the day. The demonstration serves as a final major campaign topic ahead of the Berlin House of Representatives elections scheduled for September 20.