BERLIN, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parties have joined calls to close the far-left activist center Rote Flora in Hamburg on Tuesday after a series of violent protests devastated the city during the recent G20 summit.
Stephan Mayer, the CDU/CSU speaker for interior affairs, demanded that the center be cleared with force.
"In the face of the violent excesses and the dimension of unrestrained aggression released against police officers, as well as the destructive fury showcased by left-wing extremist protestor, I now believe that the forced clearing of the Rota Flora is an urgent necessity," Mayer told German newspaper Bild.
Earlier, Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz questioned the continued existence of the center. He is facing severe criticism for his municipal government's alleged failure to prevent escalating protests and ensure the safety of city residents.
Scholz told media that he was "shocked and saddened" by events surrounding the G20 summit. Nevertheless, he said that he had no intention of stepping down.
The Rota Flora center is located in the Schanze area of Hamburg, which was subjected to the worst rioting and looting witnessed in the city. Dozens of cars were set ablaze and around 500 police officers were injured during violent protests.
