Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - A broad alliance of trade unions, environmental groups and social organizations has called for protests for a "solidarity autumn" against high energy prices and inflation on Saturday. DGB country chief Kai Burmeister said on Wednesday in Stuttgart: "We are the solidary majority. We stand for democracy. Say no to division and hate speech. So that everyone can get through the winter well, that's why we take to the streets." Several thousand participants are expected in the Baden-Württemberg state capital alone. At demonstrations in six cities next Saturday, the organizers expect a total of 20,000 participants.
Targeted help for people with little money, a redistribution through higher taxes for the rich and at the same time a more consistent energy transition are required. The organizers explained that social and ecological change should be considered together and not played off against each other.
BUND state chairwoman Sylvia Pilarsky-Grosch said they wanted a solidary and not a hot autumn. "The import of large quantities of fossil and nuclear energy was and is the basis for permanent growth and export surpluses in Germany." But these payments are used to finance global environmental destruction. And Ulf Hartmann from Paritätisches Baden-Württemberg called for targeted financial support from welfare organizations. The social peace in society must not be endangered. "In addition to a fair social policy that leaves no one behind, the solidarity of every individual in society is of great importance."
The organizers called on green-black again to launch their own aid package to cushion social hardship. The alliance is sharply demarcated to the right. The organizers declared that they were opposed to division and hate speech. They emphasize solidarity with Ukraine and expressly do not oppose the sanctions against Russia. They reject a return to cheap gas imports from Russia.
