20260628 Rote Karte dem Kahlschlag

28.06.2026 Rote Karte dem Kahlschlag

For solidarity, security, and a good life

After a standstill in the “autumn of reform” and now also in the spring, the DGB unions have had enough. The unions had called for a rally and demonstration yesterday to make it clear: Red card to the social cuts! We want to save the welfare state!

For months now, we’ve been hearing the same story almost every day: business and employer associations, the conservative economic wing of the CDU, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz claim in interviews, speeches, and headlines that the welfare state is too big, too expensive, and a burden on economic growth.

Instead of discussing how our welfare state can be financed and structured more equitably, the only topic of discussion is where to make cuts. Questions such as how the wealthiest can contribute more to financing our society do not feature in this narrative. This debate is dangerous and has serious consequences, especially for workers: working more, working longer, retiring later, and having less social security and fewer rights. The “new basic income support” passed by the Bundestag in early March 2026 is both an expression of and a cautionary example of this policy.

The welfare state is not a problem

It is the foundation for security, social cohesion, and a dignified life for all. That is why we are taking to the streets with the following demands and saying:

Hands off our pensions!
Hands off our health insurance!
Hands off long-term care!
Hands off the 8-hour workday!

Our demands are clear:

Strengthen the welfare state
Invest in social security, good jobs, and public services
Solidarity instead of division
Finally tax wealth fairly

P.S. Once again, we find ourselves wondering about the police’s actions at this event. We’re already used to seeing the waterfall in Invalidenpark cordoned off during rallies. But the fact that several hundred meters of barrier fencing were also set up around the pond can only mean that they didn’t want the participants to cool off there.
... and further:
Although the unions had already decided at the start of the rally at 12 p.m. to cancel the subsequent demonstration due to the hot weather, the BVG blocked the tram lines running on Invalidenstraße starting at 12:40 p.m., thereby forcing many Berliners to walk even further. Once again, communication is falling short...