Thousands demonstrate in Nuremberg for a strong welfare state

According to the police, between 20,000 and 25,000 people demonstrated in Nuremberg for a strong welfare state and the protection of workers' rights. Under the motto “Hard earned! Your work. Your health. Your pension.” The event organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) was against social cuts. At the same time, people in 14 other major cities nationwide also took to the streets. Nuremberg was the only venue in Bavaria.

The keynote speaker there, IG Metall chairwoman Christiane Benner, warned against reducing social security in times of restructuring and job cuts, for example in the automotive industry. “Especially in these upheavals, people need a reliable welfare state. (...) Economic change can only be achieved with trust in the future and with solidarity," she said, according to the DGB Bavaria.

Its chairman Bernhard Stiedl accused the federal government of pushing ahead with its reform plans unilaterally at the expense of employees and their protective rights. “Longer working days, sick leave from the first day, reduced pensions after 45 years of insurance - the list of unreasonable demands is getting longer and longer.” The DGB also wants reforms. “But reform must not become a synonym for social cuts.”

“The economy and the welfare state are two sides of the same coin”

"Anyone who destroys the welfare state will not end up with a lean state - but rather a state that no longer functions," argued Verdi's regional district manager, Luise Klemens. “Public services are not a luxury. It is the promise that this country will work when we need it to.”

“The economy and the welfare state are two sides of the same coin,” emphasized Johannes Bischof from the Joint Welfare Association in Middle Franconia, according to the announcement. «A thriving economy needs a reliable social infrastructure. Money that is invested in social causes has a far-reaching impact because it helps people - and secures jobs, purchasing power and social peace." The Arbeiterwohlfahrt Bayern particularly warned against reducing support for families and single parents.

The focus of the nationwide protests was the federal government's reform plans in the areas of work, health and pensions. The DGB and its member unions criticize the threat of deterioration in social security and employee rights. Instead, they are calling for reforms that will make the welfare state future-proof without placing additional burdens on employees.

The day of action is also intended to accompany the political debate at the federal level. The reform policy of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is controversial. While many consider reforms with significant cuts for employees to be unavoidable, others are of the opinion that further burdens for employees are unreasonable.