Social organizations and trade unions view potential cuts in care, health and social support with concern
a day of action against social cutbacks at Luisenplatz in Darmstadt to draw attention to potential reductions in social and healthcare services. The demonstration was prompted by, among other things, proposed cuts to child, youth, and integration assistance, as well as reform and austerity plans for pensions, healthcare, and long-term care.
The day of action was called for by IG Metall, DGB South Hesse, ver.di, AWO Darmstadt, Darmstadt Care Alliance, and the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband (Parity Welfare Association). The LIGA of Independent Welfare Organizations in Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg also expressed concerns about potential cuts to the welfare state.
Day of action against social cutbacks at Luisenplatz
The centerpiece of the action was a tower several meters high made of building blocks. Words such as pension system, long-term care insurance, school support, self-determination, and inclusion were written on it. At the top were the terms welfare state and democracy. The installation was intended to illustrate that, in the view of the participating organizations, the weakening of social security systems also has societal consequences.
“With this day of action, we wanted to make it clear that cuts in the social and healthcare sectors affect us all,” said Dr. Erik Sparn-Wolf, Regional Director for Southern Hesse of the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband Hessen (Parity Welfare Association of Hesse). This applies to child and youth welfare, integration assistance, healthcare, pensions and long-term care, as well as support services for people with disabilities, single parents and families with special support needs.
Christian Dirb, managing director of the AWO district association Darmstadt-Stadt e. V. and spokesperson for the LIGA of independent welfare organizations in Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg, warned of political consequences: "The planned cuts are a threat to democracy, as cuts in social security systems are always noticeable for people and strengthen the political extremes."
Information booths and discussions
Passersby could learn about potential cuts at information booths. Representatives from organizations such as ver.di, the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband (a German welfare association), the Darmstadt Care Alliance, and the Club of the Disabled and Friends (CBF) were present. There were also opportunities for participation and petition drives.
At the ver.di stand, participants could note their concerns and what they consider necessary for society. Among the issues mentioned were the dismantling of the welfare state and the increasing division within society. Social security, equality, and solidarity were identified as key concerns.
Sparn-Wolf also pointed out that, according to the associations, criticism of planned cuts had already had an effect. He cited as examples a more socially responsible regulation regarding the cost allowance for independent living for people with disabilities, and the reversal of planned cuts to pension entitlements for family caregivers as part of the long-term care reform.
Demonstration against social cutbacks announced in Frankfurt
The participating organizations intend to continue their actions. They are calling for a demonstration against social welfare cuts in Frankfurt on Saturday, September 26th, starting at 11:00 AM. In Darmstadt, the discussion will also be continued with expert conferences on the affected areas.
(RED/PM/Christian Dirb, AWO Darmstadt)
Featured image: Paritätischer Hessen, Darmstadt Regional Office
