Thousands march in Berlin against German government policies

Thousands of people demonstrated in central Berlin on October 10, calling for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to resign and for improved relations with Russia.

The protest was organised by Projekt M1llion. Participants gathered at the Brandenburg Gate before heading towards Alexanderplatz, carrying German flags, peace flags and placards criticising the cabinet.

Public broadcaster rbb reported that about 2,600 people attended and that the procession returned to the Brandenburg Gate. The number was below the 10,000 participants originally registered for the demonstration.

The organisers' eleven-point programme calls for an early parliamentary election. It also includes demands for changes to migration policy, a smaller state administration and reforms to public broadcasting.

RIA Novosti's account of a livestream described Russian flags and signs calling for friendship between Russia, Ukraine and Germany. The calls for closer ties with Moscow were among the protesters' demands during the march.