LONDON (AA) – Thousands of protesters marched in the German city of Hannover against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) – a free trade deal being negotiated between the U.S. and the European Union.
The rally that attracted 90,000 people according to organizers – 30,000 according to police – was staged on Saturday, a day before U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to the city where he will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“Protect Democracy, Stop TTIP,” the protesters shouted in a rally that attracted trade unions, environmentalist organizations, non-governmental organizations and opposition party members.
A giant poster hung on a central building by Greenpeace read “Yes we can stop the TTIP”.
CETA (Canada-EU Comprehensive economic and Trade Agreement) was also protested.
Currently in London, U.S. President Obama will Merkel Sunday at the historic Herrenhausen Palace for further negotiations over the TTIP.
*Ayhan Simsek contributed to this story from Hannover.
