No pact with fascists: Stand up for democracy and social justice

Invitation from the organizer (DGB):

The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and its member unions are calling for a demonstration on February 1, 2025 against the political dam break and for democracy, an effective welfare state and a fairer distribution of wealth.

"Those who support the AfD are leaving the democratic center. This breach in the dam makes us angry and stunned. You don't make pacts with fascists. Never," said Michael Rudolph, Chairman of the Hesse-Thuringia DGB district. This represents a dangerous departure from the previous democratic consensus: No cooperation with right-wing extremist forces. As recently as November 2024, CDU party leader Friedrich Merz had assured that there would be no majorities with the AfD - a promise that has now been broken.

"The policy of division and exclusion, which is to be implemented with right-wing nationalist majorities, must be countered by a decisive policy for solidarity and social cohesion in society. And to achieve this, we urgently need a fair tax system that relieves the burden on the majority and makes the wealthy more responsible," said DGB District Chairman Michael Rudolph, commenting on the demands of the demonstration.

Politicians in Hesse must also change course here. "The Hessian state government is exacerbating the social divide by making cuts in the public sector and local authorities. Employees are being made to pay for budget consolidation, while the wealthy are being spared. But an effective welfare state is indispensable, especially in times of crisis."

This requires significantly more investment in the transformation of the world of work, education, infrastructure and financially well-equipped municipalities. If the public sector makes additional cuts during a crisis, this will destroy trust and prevent an economic upturn. "Employees need security in times of change, the state government must pick up the pace and implement urgently needed investments quickly. The government has now been in office for a year, nothing can be postponed any longer," said Rudolph, underlining the key demands.

"It's about respect for public sector employees, better funding for local authorities and investment in social and climate-friendly change," says DGB District Chairman Michael Rudolph.

"Democracy and social cohesion are under attack: together on February 1, we will send a signal for democracy, an effective welfare state, respect for public sector employees and a fairer distribution of wealth."

When: 01.02.2025, 12 noon

Where? Kick-off: Kaisersack (opposite the main railway station), Frankfurt am Main

Closing rally: Opernplatz

our "participation" (if the railroad had wanted...)

The ver.di works group at the University of Kassel was actually supposed to be represented at the demonstration against the right in Frankfurt. But our committed member experienced a veritable odyssey instead - thanks to local public transport.