Mass protests in Germany against cuts to social benefits

Approximately 175,000 people took part on Saturday in protests organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in 15 cities across Germany, opposing the plans of the government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reform working hours and the pension system. The unions warn that the measures could affect social protection, working conditions and job security.

Under the slogan “Hard work! Your work. Your health. Your pension,” demonstrators called for workers’ rights to be maintained. DGB leader Yasmin Fahimi criticized the reforms during a rally in Essen and said the protests represented a clear signal to the governing coalition.

The largest mobilizations took place in Nuremberg, where police estimated between 20,000 and 25,000 participants, Stuttgart – 16,000, Frankfurt – 15,000, Essen – 12,000 and Hanover – 13,000. Approximately 5,500 people took part in Berlin, while other protests were held in Hamburg, Kiel, Rostock, Magdeburg, Leipzig, Erfurt and Saarbrücken.

The DGB had announced the actions as early as July. The protests are taking place amid concern about the future of jobs, particularly in the automotive industry, and pressure on the government following the poor results achieved by the chancellor’s party in regional elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin. Merz later said the reforms must continue.