Around 2,600 people gathered in central Berlin on Saturday to protest against the policies of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, according to media reports.
The demonstration was organized by a group calling itself Project M1illion, which demanded the resignation of the federal government and proposed several political and economic changes.
According to public broadcaster RBB, the protesters called for a direct democracy system similar to Switzerland’s, the suspension of healthcare reforms, the elimination of public broadcasting fees and the abolition of the carbon tax. They also urged the government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Germany’s energy security.
Other demands included tighter immigration controls and improved relations with Russia. Many participants carried German and peace flags while chanting slogans such as “Merz must go” and “We are the people.”
Demonstrators displayed placards criticizing the chancellor’s leadership, Germany’s support for Ukraine and continued military spending. Some accused the government of neglecting domestic concerns, while others called for an end to arms deliveries and advocated peaceful relations with Russia.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed to maintain security during the demonstration. Authorities reported no major incidents.
The protest came amid growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s reform agenda. A survey published on Thursday by public broadcaster ZDF found that 59% of respondents believed the coalition government’s proposed and partially implemented reforms to pensions, healthcare and long-term care were moving in the wrong direction.
By comparison, 30% said the measures were heading in the right direction, highlighting public concerns over the government’s domestic policy priorities.
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