Protest in Schwerin: 4,000 citizens fight against social cuts!

Protest in Schwerin: 4,000 citizens fight against social cuts!

A large protest action will take place in Schwerin today against the feared funding cuts in the social sector. More than 4,000 participants will take part under the motto “Stay social!” expected. This demonstration is organized by the League of the Leading Associations of Independent Welfare. Initiator Dieter Eichler, regional manager of the Paritätischen Wohlfahrtsverband, has already emphasized in advance that savings should not be made for those most in need. Numerous social associations, clubs and initiatives have sent a warning to Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD), warning against “unstructured cuts”.

Areas such as child day care, assistance for people with disabilities and voluntary advisory services are affected by the planned savings. The state government plans to save 16 million euros in 2026 and 40 million euros in 2027 in the social sector. Visible consequences are already foreseeable: almost 280 organizations support the appeal to change the budget plans for the coming years. “It cannot be the case that offers of help and advice fall by the wayside due to a tight budget situation,” says Eichler.

Warnings of massive cuts

The debate about social spending in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is coming to a head. The social association “Der Paritätische” is worried about possible massive cuts and has already noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs is not ruling out savings. The exact budget figures are not yet known, but many fear a reduction in support services, such as drug and addiction counseling, as well as services for people with disabilities.

In view of this situation, Dieter Eichler calls for developing coherent strategies instead of making careless savings. The advice centers and meeting places must be given the necessary support, because a cancellation of these offers due to “voluntariness” would be a great loss. In the Lewitz workshops in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, meeting places have already had to close due to a lack of support.

Financial difficulties and consequences for social infrastructure

The state government is under pressure and plans to close the deficit without new debt. Instead, existing reserves should be used. What is worrying is that there may not be enough money for voluntary social years in daycare centers. Birgit Rubbert from “Chameleon” criticizes the rigid economic discourse and the lack of cooperation.
Social Affairs Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) takes the concerns very seriously and points to the difficult budget situation and increased spending. The “Social Task Force” has already drawn up proposals for cost containment. However, this could result in higher contributions for the providers or a restriction of offers.

A similar picture emerges when you look across the borders of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Around 35,000 people recently demonstrated in Düsseldorf against the North Rhine-Westphalia state government's plans to cut social costs. The rally was under the motto “NRW stay social” and was organized by the state working group for independent welfare. The aim here is to achieve a savings volume of 83 million euros for the social sector next year. Anja Weber, DGB state chairwoman, was concerned about growing poverty and called for the cuts to be corrected.

The situation in the social sector is affecting a large number of people who are actively campaigning against cuts. The results of these demonstrations and the reactions of political decision-makers will be crucial for the future of the social infrastructure in Germany.

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