The Dresden-based “Alliance Against Cuts” is calling for protests against cuts to social benefits. “Germany is rich enough. The money is there; it just needs to be distributed differently,” said co-initiator Dorit Hollasky at an event in Dresden. She is a social worker and is active in the Dresden Care Alliance. With a demonstration on September 3 in Dresden, the Alliance aims to take a stand against the planned cuts in healthcare, pensions, social work, nursing care, and elder care. Hollasky lists among her criticisms the planned flexibilization of weekly working hours, the abolition of the first level of long-term care, and pension reform. “At the same time, however, the truly wealthy are not being asked to foot the bill,” she said. The protest is directed against austerity plans at the federal, state, and city levels, including the closure of daycare centers, job cuts in the city administration, and funding cuts to counseling centers. The coalition consists of various Dresden-based initiatives and individuals and is supported by The Left Party, the Verdi and GEW unions, and the German Trade Union Federation (DGB). As early as 2024, the coalition protested against budget cuts planned at that time. “Now there are so many cuts looming at all levels that we said we have to take action again,” said Hollasky. The changes to the statutory health insurance system that have already been approved served as a wake-up call for the coalition. “There really needs to be massive resistance; otherwise, the government will just push all of this through in a flash,” the social worker feared. Next week’s demonstration is not meant to be a one-time event. The coalition hopes to spark a wave of protests that as many people as possible will join. “We hope that this might be a kickoff for further actions and that we’re setting a starting point,” said Robert Michel, a teacher and GEW member. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reservedDemonstration as a Statement Against Cuts
The Left Party and unions support the protest
