AfD politician Beatrix von Storch waves German flag – then the Bundestag police arrive.
A political incident unfolded in Berlin when AfD politician Beatrix von Storch was seen waving a German flag from a Bundestag office balcony during a large protest calling for the resignation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The demonstration outside the German parliament drew thousands of participants chanting “Merz must go.” AfD MPs and staff reportedly appeared on a balcony above the crowd, where they supported parts of the protest and were seen engaging with demonstrators below.
Footage shared on social media showed von Storch and fellow AfD politician Stefan Keuter on the balcony, with Keuter joining chants from the street. The situation escalated when Bundestag police intervened, suggesting the display of flags from the building may have violated parliamentary house rules.
According to parliamentary regulations, displaying banners, posters, or materials on Bundestag buildings that are visible from outside is strictly prohibited. Authorities said the incident was being reviewed to determine whether the rules had been breached, though no final decision was immediately confirmed.
During the exchange, AfD members questioned the intervention and pointed to other symbols visible on nearby offices, including a rainbow flag. They argued that the German flag should not be treated differently and insisted their actions were legitimate expressions during a public demonstration.
The protest itself was organized by a group called “Projekt M1llion,” which demanded the immediate resignation of the government and promoted a list of political reforms, including stricter migration policies and changes to public broadcasting funding. Police estimated turnout at around 2,000 people, while organizers claimed up to 10,000 participants.