On November 13, 2024, an estimated 32,000 people rallied in Düsseldorf to protest significant cuts in social welfare proposed in the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state budget. The cuts, totaling around 83 million euros, have raised concerns regarding the impact on education, women’s shelters, and refugee support services. Protesters, including teachers and social workers, emphasized the detrimental effects on vulnerable communities. NRW Social Minister Karl-Josef Laumann defended the budgetary changes, claiming priorities remain in education and social housing, despite widespread dissent that greeted his speech.