Germans march by the thousands against rising energy costs

Around 24,000 Germans took to the streets Saturday in protest of high living costs and rising energy prices.

Protestors in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hannover, Stuttgart, Dresden and Frankfurt-am-Main gathered to demand a more equitable distribution of government funds to relieve rising costs, Reuters reported. The unifying slogan for demonstrators nationwide read “together through the crisis — ensure social security and end fossil fuel dependence,” according to German news outlet Deutsche Welle.

Berlin saw similar protests the previous weekend with demonstrators holding signs demanding “immediate help for the poor,” Euro News reported. Still, others called on the government for healthier food and for an end to poverty, the news site noted.

Demonstrations in Germany follow a summer of high inflation that has hit households and businesses, according to Euro News. Germany hit a 50-year high in August with rates reaching 8.9%, the outlet noted.