The German chancellor called the protests of some climate activists “stingy”.

BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sharply criticized climate activists on Monday, calling drastic protests such as blocking streets or insisting on famous paintings in museums “nuts”.

“I think it’s completely crazy to somehow stick to a painting or the street,” Scholz said while attending a primary school in the town of Kleinmachnow, near Berlin, German news agency dpa reported.

The chancellor added: in his opinion, it would not be possible to change anyone’s opinion about climate change with such an action, rather these protests made people angry.

“This is an action that I don’t think is going to help,” Scholz told the students.

Members of the Last Generation group have repeatedly blocked roads across Germany to pressure the government to take more drastic action against climate change.

Traffic has been stopped almost daily in Berlin in recent weeks, sticking to busy junctions and highways. They have also been plastered on various paintings in Berlin and elsewhere over the past year.

The group reacted angrily to Scholz’s remarks, accusing him of ignoring the risks posed to young people by global warming.

“How dare you stand in front of children whose futures you are currently destroying and say that you think the protests against your destructive policies are ‘absolutely stupid’.

The group urged Scholz and his government to do more to combat climate change.

While some support the protesters’ fight for climate protection, others – especially angry drivers stuck in traffic – tried to forcibly drag the activists off the roads, despite the authorities repeatedly warning motorists not to be vigilant.

Last Generation wants Germany to stop using all fossil fuels by 2030 and take short-term measures, including a general speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) on autobahns, to reduce traffic emissions.

While Scholz on Monday criticized the way activists draw attention to global warming, his government insists on making Germany’s economy greener and more climate-friendly.

The German government insists that protecting the climate is one of its central concerns. He stated that he wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to 1990 levels by 2030, and has plans to significantly boost renewable energy production and phase out fossil fuels.