German youth group calls for nationwide protests on Oct. 31, denounces violence
The Gen Z initiative "Gen Z regelt" plans demonstrations in 21 German cities on Oct. 31, urging peaceful protest against school funding cuts, cost-of-living pressures and climate issues while distancing itself from recent violent unrest in France.
A youth-led movement called "Gen Z regelt" ("Gen Z's Got It") has announced plans for mass demonstrations in 21 German cities on Saturday, Oct. 31, including Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Munich. Organisers say the protests will focus on "broken schools and austerity," the rising cost of living, social injustice, military conscription and climate change.
The group’s website stresses that the initiative is "against all violence," whether directed at people or property. Police have said they will remain "vigilant and relaxed" and will protect the right to assemble and express opinions.
Authorities noted the recent unrest in France, where protests turned violent and caused extensive property damage, and warned that left-wing extremists could attempt to infiltrate the German demonstrations. Andreas Roßkopf, head of the German Federal Police’s GdP union, told the Rheinische Post that both state and federal police would respond "firmly and decisively" to any disorder, adding that radicals might try to "attack police" or act destructively.