On Tuesday evening, the online broker Trade Republic called for a demonstration in Volkspark am Weinberg in Berlin-Mitte. But it was not only about the issues of the pension gap, but also about the interests of the company itself. The farmers and train drivers have already demonstrated, and now the finance industry is joining as well.
Hundreds of participants gathered in the Volkspark as two spotlights illuminated the scene shortly after half past five, causing colorful posters to glow in bright light. However, the event seems more like a birthday party for the financial world rather than a serious demonstration. The focus is on financial freedom, which Trade Republic promises through its app and has been fighting for for five years. According to the financial institution, it is time to close the pension gap and enable everyone to achieve financial independence. This was announced in their invitation, which was sent out via email and push notification only at noon on the day of the event. The self-made posters also address the topic, such as with the rhyme "lame duck" on "retirement" or the slogan "Girls just wanna have funds".
But not only retirement planning was the focus of the demonstration. The moderators announced the introduction of a new Visa payment card, which allows users to simultaneously invest in stocks or ETFs while making payments. They receive one percent of their expenses back as cashback, which they can invest in a stock or ETF savings plan. The card is available in three different variants, with the virtual card being offered for free and the regular card costing five euros. The third option is a mirrored "Mirror Card," which actually costs 50 euros. The first 2,000 people who put themselves on a waiting list via a QR code will receive the card for free. However, the technology did not always cooperate that evening, as one participant from the crowd angrily pointed out. In response, the message was repeated once again before a short break was taken, during which participants could receive tea and sweaters from Trade Republic.
The speeches by well-known Finfluencers such as Ibo, who alone has 1.6 million followers on TikTok for his financial tips, and businesswoman Diana zur Löwen, who has 1.2 million followers on Instagram and also appears as a guest judge on the show "Höhle der Löwen" (Shark Tank), are causing cheers and excitement among the participants. Many of them are conversing in English while drinking tea at one of the long beer garden tables, which is particularly popular on a cold evening like this. Employees of Trade Republic are also well represented, as the demonstration is taking place directly in front of the company's headquarters.
After nearly 50 minutes, the spectacle is over and the crowd quickly empties out of Weinbergpark. But what remains of this demonstration of the financial scene? The company can be satisfied, because over 1000 people have gathered despite the icy cold to demonstrate together against the pension gap. A poster with the inscription "Invest or go home!" gives the frostbitten participants an ironic tip for the way home.
