anti Merz rally

Chemnitz, Germany (dpa) — A populist protest against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz drew 10,000 people to the eastern city of Plauen on Saturday, demanding his government’s resignation and immediate new elections.

The organizers of the initiative, titled “Project M1llion,” have issued an 11-point list of demands, including lower energy prices, a nationwide €29 ($33.50) travel ticket, a reform of public service broadcasting, and the immediate deportation of “all convicted, criminal and illegal migrants.”

In a clear nod to the peaceful revolution of 1989, participants chanted “We are the people,” the slogan used in anti-communist rallies in the former East Germany.

The “Unity for Germany” protest was officially independent of political parties. However, a local pro-democracy group, the Alliance for Democracy, Tolerance and Civil Courage, warned that right-wing extremists were among the organizers.

anti Merz rally

“The event is being promoted by relevant far-right channels; on Facebook, the comments on the demonstration contain hateful remarks, and the calls to action spread anti-Semitic and ethno-nationalist narratives,” the group wrote.

A counter-protest attracted around 400 supporters, police said, with no disruption reported by the afternoon.

In the main demonstration, a multitude of German flags were on display, as well as blue banners bearing white doves.

Also visible were flags of the historical Kingdom of Saxony, frequently used by the far-right Free Saxons party, which had called on supporters to take part.

“This cartel, this government must go!” shouted a speaker at the start, drawing applause from the audience.

The initiative’s 11-point plan includes further demands such as scrapping the CO2 tax, introducing a Swiss-style direct democracy model and reducing bureaucracy.