Thousands demonstrate in Leipzig against social cuts

At the nationwide day of action organized by the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB), thousands of people protested in Leipzig for secure jobs and a strong welfare state. Under the motto “Red card to clear-cutting - hands off the welfare state!” Two demonstrations marched through the city center to the central rally on Simsonplatz in front of the backdrop of the Federal Administrative Court.

DGB Vice-Chairman: Reform plans disrespectful

“The economic problems of our country cannot be solved with social reforms at the expense of employees and restrictions on employee rights,” said the deputy DGB federal chairwoman Elke Hannack, the main speaker at the rally, according to a statement.

She accused the federal government of a disrespectful policy “towards the people who keep this country running every day”. Instead, the focus should be on investments that have been delayed for years, the dilapidated infrastructure, the slow digitalization, the high energy prices and future technologies.

“No cuts orgies”

“The employees will not allow themselves to be deprived of their hard-won rights and entitlements,” added the Saxon DGB chairwoman Daniela Kolbe. In Saxony, many employees, for example at Volkswagen and the vaccine manufacturer GSK, fear for their jobs. “We demand real reforms that make our economy and our welfare state fair and not any cuts to the detriment of employees.”

The DGB had called for a nationwide day of action against the federal government's planned social cuts. Under the motto “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension.” There were demonstrations in 15 major cities.