Around 10,000 protest in Plauen against German federal government, backed by right-wing extremist Freie Sachsen
Around 10,000 people demonstrated in Plauen, Saxony, on 8 August 2026 against the German federal government, demanding its resignation and new elections. The march, backed by the right-wing extremist Freie Sachsen, was temporarily halted after drummers violated a ban on unified drumming.
The demonstration
Several thousand people gathered in Plauen, Saxony, on Saturday 8 August 2026 to protest against the federal government and demand its resignation. The initiative "Einigkeit für Deutschland / Projekt M1llion" had mobilized nationwide and registered 10,000 participants. The Saxon police counted around 10,000 demonstrators, while observers estimated the actual turnout at around 8,000, according to the Berliner Zeitung. The march began at noon and proceeded through the city, accompanied by counter-protests.
The protest movement's demands included the resignation of the federal government with new elections, a halt to health reform, lower levies on electricity and gas, a nationwide 29-euro ticket, a reform of public broadcasting, and the immediate deportation of "all convicted, criminal and illegal migrants." Placards read "Merz muss weg!" and "Unser Geld für unser Volk." A speaker opened the rally to applause with the words "Dieses Kartell, diese Regierung muss weg!" The demonstration sought to connect itself to the tradition of the peaceful revolution in the DDR. Plauen was the site of the first mass demonstration against the DDR leadership on 7 October 1989, the 40th anniversary of the DDR's founding. The slogan "Wir sind das Volk!" was chanted at Saturday's rally.
- Registered (organizers)
- 10000
- Police count
- 10000
- Observer estimate
- 8000
- Counter-protest
- 400
March halted over drumming ban
The procession was temporarily stopped after participants with drums violated an assembly authority ban. The authority had prohibited the drummers from marching in formation and drumming in unison, to prevent them from appearing militant. The regulation prohibits at assemblies and processions a uniform, paramilitary or violence-ready appearance that has an intimidating effect on others or the public. When the drummers drummed collectively and in rhythm, the authorities deemed the ban violated. Police separated the drummers from the main march. Demonstrators then initially refused to continue walking. As a compromise, the drummers were detached as a separate assembly from the main demonstration procession. During the extended pause, the rescue service distributed water to participants due to high temperatures.
- March begins in Plauen; speaker opens rally to applause
- March stopped; drummers violated ban on marching in formation and drumming in unison
- Drummers separated as own assembly; rescue service distributes water; police report all peaceful
Right-wing extremist links
The micro-party "Freie Sachsen" supported the protest and had called on its followers to attend. Flags of the Kingdom of Saxony were visible, as they are frequently used by the Freie Sachsen. The party is monitored by the Saxon Office for the Protection of the Constitution and described as a "collection basin for neo-Nazis, right-wing populists and cadres of former, banned or extreme right organizations." Blue flags with white doves and numerous Germany flags were also displayed. The "Projekt M1llion" describes itself as non-partisan.
Counter-protests
The "Bündnis für Demokratie, Toleranz und Zivilcourage" called for counter-protests and warned that criticism must not lead to right-wing extremists coming to power. The alliance stated its position:
Wir wollen zeigen, dass Plauen nicht schon wieder zum Spielball von Rechtsextremen werden darf und das Erbe von '89 schützen.
The assembly authority registered eight assemblies and four car convoys for the counter-protest. Police counted around 400 counter-protest participants. A police spokesperson said by the afternoon that everything had proceeded peacefully.
