Authorities in Berlin view the proceedings from the meeting held on 1st May 2025 favorably

In Berlin on May 1, 2025, thousands of people took to the streets for various demonstrations, with 62 registered gatherings throughout the city. The day, however, was not without incident as a series of disturbances occurred during some of the events.

The "Revolutionary First of May" demonstration began at Südstern with an opening concert and initially around 150 people. As the day progressed, the number of participants grew, and by the time the demonstration reached the Red City Hall, around 6,600 people were present.

Around 5,000 people participated in a cycling procession from Bismarckplatz in Grunewald to Oranienplatz in Kreuzberg without notable incidents. Another 1,700 cyclists joined from Falkplatz in Prenzlauer Berg, and approximately 800 cyclists from Neukölln also joined the Grunewald procession.

A trade union demonstration started at 11:40 AM in Karl-Marx-Allee and ended at 3 PM at the Red City Hall. Around 150 pro-Palestinian sympathizers were part of the trade union demonstration.

Within the demonstration, pyrotechnics were set off, anti-Israel slogans were clearly audible, and a plastic bottle was thrown at law enforcement officers. Around 8:50 PM, police officers accompanying the procession were attacked with kicks, leading to the use of physical force in the form of pushing and shoving. A police officer was struck in the head by a thrown glass bottle and had to end his service injured. The suspect was identified and arrested within the procession.

Around 2,200 police officers from various states and federal police officers were present. In this year's "May Day" operation, police forces temporarily detained 70 individuals, with 65 being released after completing police procedures, and five were taken into police custody for further criminal police measures such as identification procedures and blood sampling. These five individuals were later released.

The assembly authority had issued restrictions and bans under the Berlin Assembly Freedom Act for the demonstration, including prohibitions on burning flags and other objects, glorifying violence, promoting certain pro-Palestinian groups, and using symbols of these organizations. Despite these restrictions, banned slogans were chanted from a pro-Palestinian block, and police accompanied the block on the side.

Police President Dr. Barbara Slowik stated that the 1st of May was a peaceful day with only a few, spatially limited disturbances, and that their de-escalation strategy was particularly effective this year. She praised the performance of the Berlin police and supporting forces from across the country. A total of 13 police officers were injured, with three unable to continue their duties. Seven of the injured officers remained on duty.

In addition to the incidents mentioned above, a total of 62 investigations were initiated, including property damage, assault, insults, resistance against public officials, assault on public officials, rioting, attempted prisoner liberation, violations of the Air Traffic Act, violations of the Narcotics Act, and the use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. Additionally, ten administrative offense reports were filed.

The assembly ended shortly before 10 PM, and around 300 individuals affiliated with the so-called anti-fascist scene joined in around 7:10 PM, at which point they began to cover their faces. A rally at Johannaplatz gathered up to 2,500 people from other, smaller processions.

Despite the sporadic disturbances, the majority of the demonstrations in Berlin on May 1, 2025, were peaceful, with thousands of people exercising their right to freedom of assembly and expression. The police, with support from forces across the country, worked diligently to maintain order and ensure the safety of all participants.