Stuttgart protests target social welfare cuts planned by German government

Demonstrators gathered in Stuttgart on Saturday as part of the "Bündnis Kommunen am Limit" alliance, joined by ver.di, to oppose the Merz government's planned reductions to the social welfare system. Organisers criticised the rapid dismantling of the welfare state, citing reforms to the statutory health insurance, cuts to pensions and care benefits, and reductions in child support, housing and parental allowances.

The Stuttgart rally follows a series of protests across Baden‑Württemberg, including scheduled demonstrations in Tübingen (July 16), Reutlingen (July 17) and a second rally in Freiburg (July 25). Under the umbrella of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), a nationwide demonstration is planned for September 26, with Stuttgart again included in the lineup.