DGB leader Yasmin Fahimi calls for a course correction after social protests

After nationwide protests against cuts in social benefits, DGB leader Yasmin Fahimi is calling on the federal government to take action. “The federal government must take this signal seriously. We expect that she will make a course correction in a timely manner and seriously discuss our specific proposals with us," said Fahimi to the German Press Agency in Berlin.

According to the DGB, 175,000 people demonstrated for a strong welfare state and against cuts at nationwide rallies on Saturday. According to police information, there were between 20,000 and 25,000 people on the streets in Nuremberg alone, 16,000 in Stuttgart, 15,000 in Frankfurt am Main, 13,000 in Hanover and 12,000 in Essen. In total, the DGB organized demonstrations and rallies in 15 cities.

According to Fahimi, the demonstrations made it clear that workers expected social security and labor rights to be protected. “Social cuts and dismantling of labor rights are not a means of active economic policy,” said the DGB boss. Fahimi called for “a convincing agenda to protect and strengthen our EU internal market” and announced constructive support.