Thousands protest in Germany demanding solidarity in energy relief

Tens of thousands of people protested in six German cities on Saturday (22 October) demanding a more equitable distribution of funds by the government to address rising energy prices and living expenses and a quicker transition from fossil fuels.

Protesters marched through Berlin, Duesseldorf Hannover, Stuttgart and Dresden, carrying signs with slogans promoting everything from lower inflation to the end of nuclear power, and more subsidies for the poor.

According to Greenpeace (one of the organizers), there were approximately 24,000 participants. According to police, around 1,800 protestors gathered in Berlin.

"We want the public to know that they urgently require financial assistance that is both socially and economically balanced. While the government is doing a lot, it is only distributing money with a wateringcan. People with lower incomes need more support than those who are wealthy," Andrea Kocsis (deputy chair of ver.di), one of the unions organizing the protests, said.

Friday (21 October) saw approval by the German parliament of the €200 billion ($195bn) government rescue package, which is intended to protect households and businesses from the effects of rising energy prices.

The package includes a one time payment that covers one monthly gas bill for small and medium-sized households, as well as a mechanism to limit prices starting in March.

It will also finance a cap on electricity prices for industry and households retroactively starting in March for spot prices and ending in December for future prices. Additional funding will be drawn from profits of electricity companies.

German inflation reached 10.9% in September, its highest point in over a quarter century. This was due to higher energy prices.

"I think it would be better if we distributed the wealth in a more equitable way. Millionaires want to pay more taxes. Ulrich Franz, a Berlin protester, said that he doesn't see any progress on this front.

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