Affected people and relatives in Saxony have used demonstrations while lying down to draw attention to the serious illness ME/CFS and the possible long-term consequences of coronavirus infections. The protests on the market square in Leipzig and the Neumarkt in Dresden were well attended, as reporters from the German Press Agency observed. The participants' signs read "1% energy, 100% human" and "I want my life back! Research for ME/CFS now!"
Initiative with nationwide actions
The demonstrations were part of a nationwide initiative supported by former Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) as patron. To mark International Awareness Day on May 12, the initiative had called for more than 40 actions throughout Germany. The demands include greater funding for ME/CFS research and nationwide care in specialized competence centers that care for patients.