Germany’s Scholz shakes off alarm stunt during summit

STORY: A fire alarm, believed to have been tripped by a climate activist, disrupted a session at summit, shortly after Scholz had delivered his opening remarks at the session and as other speakers were due to come on stage.

“So we are discussing pressing issues (and) someone pressed the fire alarm,” the chancellor told the audience after walking back up to the podium.

“He is not really supporting our debates. Over here they are doing some protests about climate and things like that and think this would improve our discussions. I think the best way to improve the discussions is to just continue without (listening) to it.”

Several protesters were seen being led or carried away by police outside the hotel where the summit was held, while others continued to demonstrate at the venue.

Inside, the event continued, with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman announcing a commitment of $1.2 billion to support efforts to end all forms of polio globally.