German chancellor Friedrich Merz faced a large protest in Cologne on Monday 13 July, as he came to to inaugurate the University’s Adenauer School of Government (ASG). While Merz spoke of educating young decision makers, organisers said the ASG will be a hub for neoliberal and conservative ideas, while social and academic sectors face extreme cuts.

Despite temperatures over 30 degrees, up to 4,000 people attended. Members of the University and Polytechnic student associations were joined by activists from “Students Against the Right“, Youth for Climate Cologne, the anti-AfD group “widersetzen“, and activists in solidarity with Palestine and the Ulm 5.

Protesters highlighted current reforms and cuts to the social security system, housing, healthcare, and the educational and cultural sectors—while Germany’s heavy investment in arms has reached a level unseen since the second World War. “Billions are being spent on armament, but where people really need money, they say there isn’t any”, said a participant.

Some of the speakers were students from departments affected by budget cuts, such as psychology. The organisers stated that “racism destroys lives” and called for an end to “murderous border politics” and for a refugees’ and migrants’ right to stay and be supported. They called for a society based on “solidarity instead of social cuts, militarisation and racism”. They also demanded stronger social security networks, higher wages, shorter work times, and universal access to health, education, and culture.

Despite a notable police presence, the demonstration was allowed to disband peacefully. While it was heartening to see so many people come out together and loudly protest hateful politics, it is questionable whether Merz gave the protest any heed, considering that his inaugural speech took place without disruption.