100,000 demonstrate against austerity in Berlin

Angela Klein , Paul B Kleiser — 2004-02-17T00:00:00Z

In it early 2003 German trade union leaderships withdrew from the “alliance for jobs” (Bündnis für Arbeit) because was clear that the Federation of German Industry (Bund Deutscher Industrie, BDI) was determined on massive reductions in social contributions and the renegotiation of collective agreements to introduce greater flexibility. Federal chancellor Schröder told the Bundestag on March 13, 2003 that “We must reduce state benefits, favour individual responsibility and demand more effort from everyone”.

- IV356 - February 2004 / Germany

Reds, greens and 'reform'

Paul B Kleiser — 2003-09-19T00:00:00Z

After 16 years of the liberal-conservative government of Helmut Kohl - which were, particularly at the end, 'years of lead' - the electoral victory of the Social Democratic and Green coalition (SPD, Grünen) in autumn 1998, had engendered a certain climate of optimism, above all in trade union circles.

- IV353 - September 2003 / Germany

International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

100,000 demonstrate against austerity in Berlin

Reds, greens and 'reform'