In Germany, an incident unfolded when a protest group damaged a Christmas tree inside a Leipzig shopping mall. A report describes how, on December 13, two girls and a young man entered the famous Mädler Passage and used orange paint sprayed from fire extinguishers onto a tree adorned with ribbons and gold baubles. The action left the artificial spruce coated and unevenly tinted, standing at about five meters tall before the demonstrators settled nearby. Police responded swiftly, and parts of the shopping area were temporarily sealed off for about two hours, though customers could access stores with police permission. Witnesses observed a banner bearing a message that questioned the activists’ motives, while another onlooker managed to seize the banner from the protestors. The scene prompted a broader discussion about the tactic and its reception among shopkeepers and visitors alike.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the vandals, and the incident has stirred debate about the symbolism of the holiday display. Shopping-center management lamented the damage, noting that the tree had been in place for a decade and expressing clear disapproval of the action. The retail center has not yet decided whether the tree will be restored to its usual position or removed, with the needles possibly needing cleaning of caustic dye.
Earlier, in a separate but related note, protests by French farmers drew public attention as they demanded financial assistance from the state, highlighting ongoing tensions over economic support for agriculture.