Overview
- Unions, social and welfare groups and the Berlin Tenants' Association held a stationary rally at Invalidenpark after canceling a planned march because of extreme heat.
- Organizers gave an attendance figure of about 3,000 while police initially withheld a count and later reported a lower number for participants.
- Speakers and campaign material warned the reforms would cut health benefits, reduce pensions, raise long-term care costs and require people to work longer.
- Banners linked social cuts to job losses and war spending, and organizers argued the burden of the plans would fall on employees rather than wealthy people.
- DGB leaders said the protest will be followed by more actions and comes as coalition talks with social partners are scheduled to continue next week, signaling potential pressure on the government.