It began 3 weeks ago in eastern germany: in a couple of cities a few hundred people protested against the "HARTZ 4" program and the "Agenda 2010" which are government plans that will have an deep impact on workers and unemployed people. Some say that millions will become poor because of "Hartz 4". Welfare money will be cut down dramatically and that in a situation where the average unemployment rate in eastern germany is at about more than 20%. Finding work is almost impossible and pupils who finish school often dont find any work at all.

3 weeks ago, on monday, a few people in a few cities shouted "We are the people" and "We will stop Hartz 4", "Down with the government" or even "Smash capitalism".

2 weeks ago, in 36 cities about 50.000 people protested.

Last Monday in about 100 cities all over the country, even in western Germany, more than 100.000 people protested.

The protests will continue and are supposed to grow.

The political parties, The unions and even social movements like e.g. Attac were surprised by the spontaneous protests.It was just the "normal" people who went out on the streets. And their will to fight "Hartz 4" and the whole government is very strong. In Berlin last monday the first "monday protest" started with 5000 people and after walking through the city more than 25.000 joined them - came down from their houses, out of the super markets and so on...
Next monday the protests will surely take place in even more cities, with even more protesters and with even more hate on the governments plans. The protesters said they will become more and more and will continue the protests "until Hartz 4 is shut down or until the government has to step back. We once finished the GDR. We will finish every one who puts pressure on us. They should not underestimate the people. Enough is enough."

all indymedia reports about the growing protest (in german):
 http://germany.indymedia.org/2004/08/89225.shtml