German Welfare Reform Protests Swell

BERLIN – Tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets last night in the biggest protests yet against the government’s unpopular welfare reforms.Demonstrations were held in more than 200 towns and cities across the country. The protests, which have run for five weeks, have been dubbed “Monday demonstrations” after the 1989 gatherings in the old East Germany that helped to topple the Berlin Wall.They are being led by the reformed eastern communist party, the PDS, the anti-globalization group Attac, and far right groups.Oskar Lafontaine, a former leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party who has threatened to form a breakaway left-wing party, was due to address a rally in Leipzi last night. His participation was criticized by ministers.The protests, which began with only a few thousand people, have now expanded across the country although they are predominant in the east, where unemployment – at 18.5%- is around twice the national average.Organizers hope to force the government to a climb down over its planned welfare cuts. Under the reforms, long-term unemployment benefit and social welfare payments will be merged, and the jobless forced to take any work. The proposals have prompted accusations that the government is “legalizing poverty.”Last week, protesters threw eggs at Chancellor Schroeder in the east German town of Wittenberg.The government has clearly been rattled by the intensity of opposition. Over the weekend it appeared to bow to the pressure to a certain extent by delaying separate health reforms and the introduction of a citizens’ insurance policy indefinitely.Mr. Schroeder has expressed concern that the protests – together with growing discontent in the west about continued financial support for the east – are in danger of splitting the country.Critics say there has been little to show for the “solidarity tax” pumped into the east.Mr. Schroeder said: “I would stress to those who ask why the west should back up the east that we are one people. We belong together and the east will continue to be reliant on the west.”

German Welfare Reform Protests Swell

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