Hamburg defends itself: Thousands protest against Merz’s statement about the cityscape!

Hamburg defends itself: Thousands protest against Merz’s statement about the cityscape!

On October 25, 2025, around 2,650 people protested in Hamburg against the controversial statements by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). Under the motto “We are the cityscape!” The demonstration went through the city center, starting at the Rathausmarkt via Mönckebergstrasse and ending at the main train station. According to the organizers, 10,000 participants were expected, but the police said there were around 2,000 people. This shows once again that the commitment against racism in Germany is on a clear upward trend.

The reason for the protest was Merz's statement about a "problem in the cityscape", which he made on October 14th in Potsdam and which was perceived by many as discriminatory. The demonstrators' banners bore slogans such as “Merz wants gray, we want colorful” and “Friedrich, whoever is bothering you is you and your racism!” The demonstration was organized by an open alliance of groups and initiatives, including the Die Linke party and Fridays for Future Hamburg.

Broader wave of protests in Germany

The Hamburg protest movement is part of a larger trend reversal in Germany. A recent study shows that in 2024, 17% of respondents took part in demonstrations or protests against racism, a significant increase compared to the previous year, when it was only 4%. These figures underline the growing awareness and willingness of the population to actively combat racism. Views on civil society engagement and political protests have also changed.

With further demonstrations in cities like Magdeburg, where over 300 participants came together, and Hildesheim, where around 500 people protested, it is clear that resistance to intolerant statements is very popular not only in Hamburg, but nationwide. There was also vandalism in Bonn when the CDU district office was daubed with the message “Measure to beautify the cityscape”. The state security agency has already started an investigation.

Focus on anti-racism commitment

Commitment to anti-racist movements is increasingly perceived as a central component of plural democracies. Despite the challenges posed by right-wing extremist narratives, it is clear that anti-racist protests in Germany are not a fringe phenomenon. Many Germans, especially young people with higher education, are active and committed to an open and diverse society.

The current situation shows that public awareness of racism is constantly growing. It is up to us to strengthen the growing commitment and to report on it continuously. At a time when society is addressing such important issues, it is critical that we continue to educate and mobilize. The demonstrations taking place across Germany confirm that the voice against racism is strong and unmistakable.