Thousands demonstrate in Frankfurt against social cuts

Several thousand people took to the streets in Frankfurt am Main against social cuts. The police spoke of around 15,000 demonstrators who came today under the motto “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension” came together. The organizers themselves, however, said there were over 30,000 participants. According to the police's current knowledge, the event remained incident-free.

The unions opposed the federal government's reform plans, which were at the expense of employees, the DGB said. “Anyone who gets up every morning, keeps this country running and pays taxes must not pay the bill in the end,” said DGB district chairman Michael Rudolph, according to a statement. “Anyone who wants to get an eight-hour day or our pension after 45 years of contributions will feel our determined resistance!”

Unions want reforms - but different ones

They want “real reforms instead of stupid austerity laws,” said Verdi chairman Frank Werneke. “Good work, a strong welfare state and a reliable pension are not a burden, but the foundation for a fair society and a strong economy.”

Reforms and investments are necessary, “but not at the expense of the employees,” said the DGB statement. Instead of the current reform plans, the unions called for more investment in infrastructure, a statutory pension level of at least 50 percent and a more efficient use of funds in the health system.

The participants in Frankfurt first came together for a rally and then marched through the city center with flags, banners and posters. On it were sayings like “You can’t save away poverty!” or “#notampeoplesaving”. Protests were planned in 15 major cities nationwide today.