Thousands protest US-EU deal in Germany

LONDON

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.