Berlin demonstrations oppose federal social welfare cuts

Around 3,000 people gathered in Berlin in late June to protest planned reductions in Germany’s social safety net. A broad coalition of unions, welfare and environmental NGOs, religious groups and local organisations staged rallies on June 23 in front of the Red City Hall and on June 27 under the slogan “Jetzt reicht’s!” despite hot weather.

The demonstrators criticised the federal government’s proposal to cut benefits for employees, the unemployed, families and people dependent on support services, calling for richer citizens to contribute more and for continued public investment in health, education, housing and care. They urged Berlin Senate mayor Kai Wegner to signal opposition at the upcoming Minister‑Presidents conference and in the Bundesrat, demanding that the planned cuts be rejected.

The protests reflected broader concerns that scaling back the welfare state could erode social cohesion and increase distrust in democratic institutions.