Protesters demand Merz government resign in eastern Germany

A protest demanding the resignation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has begun in the eastern German city of Plauen, with organisers claiming turnout of around 10,000 people, according to dpa.

The demonstration was organised by the protest movement Projekt M1llion, which said it had mobilised supporters from across the country.

Participants are calling for the resignation of the federal government and the holding of early elections, as well as lower electricity and gas prices, reforms to public-service broadcasting, and the immediate deportation of “all convicted illegal migrants who have committed crimes.”

In response, several groups have staged counter-demonstrations in support of democracy and tolerance.

Plauen’s mayor, Steffen Zenner, had earlier urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and avoid provocations.

Police have not yet released official estimates of attendance.

By Tamilla Hasanova