Power is being restored to the last homes hit by a five-day blackout in Berlin, attributed to a suspected arson attack. With temperatures plunging below freezing, this incident has reignited concerns over Germany's vulnerability to sabotage, particularly from domestic extremist groups.
Characterized as the longest blackout in the city's post-war history, it reportedly affected over 100,000 residents, impacting schools, hospitals, and care homes. In the affluent Steglitz-Zehlendorf district, local police used loudspeakers to inform residents of the power restoration efforts, while many families relied on battery-powered radios for updates.
A militant group, known as Vulkangruppe, has claimed responsibility for the arson, expressing limited sympathy for those affected, citing the wealthy demographics of the impacted areas. This incident follows a previous disruption at a Tesla factory in 2024, attributed to similar activist actions.
Federal authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, investigating charges of sabotage, arson, and disruption of public services. This troubling trend is part of a wider dialogue on the need for improved protections for critical infrastructure in Germany, which has been in discussion for years but is only now seeing legislative movement.
As electricity slowly returns, residents like 79-year-old Reinhold reflect on their experiences amidst the cold, marking a challenging time for many Berliners trying to navigate life without power.
