German trade unions protest planned pension reforms

Large-scale demonstrations were held across Germany on International Workers’ Day, with trade unions protesting planned cuts to healthcare spending and social benefits.

At a rally in Nuremberg, the president of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), Yasmin Fahimi, said unions were ready to resist what she described as “attacks” on social protections and called on participants to remain prepared for further mobilisation, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Across the country, hundreds of rallies were held under the slogan “Our jobs first, your profits second.”

Key demands include preserving the eight-hour working day, maintaining stable pensions, and increasing taxes on large fortunes.

Unions are also insisting that state support for companies be tied to investment in Germany, while prioritising social protection and employment security.

Fahimi criticised planned pension and healthcare reforms, calling them a blow to social guarantees.

She advocated higher taxes on the wealthy, including an inheritance tax and an increase in the top income tax rate.

Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, which is part of the governing coalition, also joined the protests in support of workers.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov