The protests, organized by various groups and unions, coincided with Merz’s address at the Christian Democratic Workers’ Association (CDA) conference. Demonstrators expressed their discontent over proposed reductions in the nursing and healthcare sectors, with some participants reportedly throwing paint at the conference venue. Merz’s recent comments regarding the future of statutory pension insurance, which he described as merely a basic safety net, have sparked criticism, including from coalition partners. In response, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining current pension levels.