War in Ukraine dominates May Day events in Germany
THIS year’s May Day celebrations in Germany focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine alongside the more traditional social issues associated with International Workers’ Day.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that the war in Ukraine could bring about a global food crisis during his address to a rally held by the German Trade Union Confederation DGB in Dusseldorf. “This war will have consequences, consequences all over the world,” he predicted.
“Already we have to worry that there are those who will starve, that there are countries that can no longer afford grain for their people, that this whole war situation will also lead to a worldwide hunger crisis,”
Scholz continued, referring to the fact that Ukraine, one of the world’s great bread baskets, is largely unable to export its grain due to the war.
Scholz also promised Ukraine further help.
“We will continue to support Ukraine, with money, with humanitarian aid, but this must also be said: We will support it to be able to defend itself, with arms deliveries, as many other countries in Europe are doing,” Scholz pledged, adding a personal message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: “I call on the Russian president: Let the weapons be silent Withdraw your troops Respect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine ”
Verdi Union leader Frank Werneke for his part warned against an arms race in the wake of the massive rearmament programme recently announced by the German government.
“We don’t want a new arms race that comes at the expense of urgent investments in social welfare, education and climate protection,” he said in the western city of Mainz.
DGB said ahead of May Day that “in these times of profound change, trade unions stand for solidarity,” referring to the challenges of climate change, digitalization and globalization.
Numerous other events were taking place across Germany on Sunday, particularly in Berlin and Hamburg. These include motorbike and bicycle parades, protests against coronavirus restrictions, and demonstrations and actions by leftwing and radical left groups.
Up to 20,000 people are expected to join a demonstration in Berlin’s Neuk lln district, with the police deploying some ,000 officers in the capital throughout the weekend.