The organizers are expecting up to 20,000 participants in Berlin for a demonstration for more social aid in times of the energy crisis. The police initially counted fewer than 1,800 people on the streets. Citizens are also called in other German cities.
In view of the energy crisis, people demonstrated for social security and solidarity in several German cities in the early afternoon. A left-wing alliance of trade unions, environmental groups and social organizations had called for this. Under the title "Autumn in Solidarity: Creating Social Security - Accelerating the Energy Transition", the initiators are calling for 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. In Berlin and Dresden, several hundred people initially came to the rallies. Demonstrations were also planned in Frankfurt/Main, Hanover, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart.
In Berlin, the police spoke of a "quiet and relaxed" situation and initially estimated the number of participants to be less than 1,800. Numerous left-wing politicians took part in the protest march, such as Social Senator Katja Kipping, Justice Senator Lena Kreck and Culture Senator Klaus Lederer. Information from the organizers was initially not available. They had expected around 20,000 participants in advance.
There is great concern for the people who can no longer pay the horrendously rising prices for food and energy, said Sylvia Bühler, member of the Verdi federal board at the rally in Dresden. Sebastian Wegner, federal manager of the social association Volkssolidarität, called for a "protective shield for services of general interest in order to also protect social institutions". The alliance includes the networks Campact and Attac, the environmental organizations Bund and Greenpeace, the Paritätische Gesamtverband, Volkssolidarität and the citizens' movement Finanzwende as well as the trade unions Verdi and GEW.
Marissa Reiserer, Greenpeace transport and climate expert, said the energy transition and social justice go hand in hand. "If we now jointly finance the development of renewables, mobility for everyone and emergency energy aid for everyone who needs it, we will create the dawn of a just and secure society together," she emphasized.
