01:14Germany: Southern solidarity in Hamburg May Day marches
Germany: Southern solidarity in Hamburg May Day marches
Thousands gathered in the northern German city of Hamburg on Wednesday to march in solidarity with southern European nations struggling amid social and economic crises. The protest was part of the International Day of Labour, also known as May Day.
The demonstration started in Spielbudenplatz at 10:30 local time (08:30 GMT). Its aim, said participants, was to shed light on the effects of the eurozone crisis, which has left many in southern European nations such as Spain and Greece unemployed. Demonstrators also argued that Germany will not be saved from the crisis on the basis of its northern location and status as the world's fourth-largest economy.
May 1 has traditionally been a day for many all over the world to hold rallies and demonstrations calling for better working, economic and social conditions. This year, some Germans have urged the country to return to its old currency, the Deutsche Mark. The call is largely supported by Germany's National Democratic Party (NPD), known for its stance against multiculturalism.
Hamburg was not the only place in Germany where demonstrators gathered on Wednesday. In Berlin, thousands of police flooded the district of Schoeneweide when a right-wing anti-immigrant march drew around 250 demonstrators and about 2,000 counter-protesters. In the Kreuzberg district, about 10,000 people are expected to take part in May Day celebrations, known as "Myfest." In all, about 7,000 police, most in riot gear, are on standby.
01:14NONE
Germany: Southern solidarity in Hamburg May Day marches
Thousands gathered in the northern German city of Hamburg on Wednesday to march in solidarity with southern European nations struggling amid social and economic crises. The protest was part of the International Day of Labour, also known as May Day.
The demonstration started in Spielbudenplatz at 10:30 local time (08:30 GMT). Its aim, said participants, was to shed light on the effects of the eurozone crisis, which has left many in southern European nations such as Spain and Greece unemployed. Demonstrators also argued that Germany will not be saved from the crisis on the basis of its northern location and status as the world's fourth-largest economy.
May 1 has traditionally been a day for many all over the world to hold rallies and demonstrations calling for better working, economic and social conditions. This year, some Germans have urged the country to return to its old currency, the Deutsche Mark. The call is largely supported by Germany's National Democratic Party (NPD), known for its stance against multiculturalism.
Hamburg was not the only place in Germany where demonstrators gathered on Wednesday. In Berlin, thousands of police flooded the district of Schoeneweide when a right-wing anti-immigrant march drew around 250 demonstrators and about 2,000 counter-protesters. In the Kreuzberg district, about 10,000 people are expected to take part in May Day celebrations, known as "Myfest." In all, about 7,000 police, most in riot gear, are on standby.