Gen Z-led protests sweep Germany demanding education funding and an end to conscription
Thousands gathered in dozens of German cities on Oct. 31 to call for greater investment in education, lower living costs and the abolition of compulsory military service.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in 34 German cities on Saturday, part of a youth-led movement that has spread across Europe. The campaign group "Gen Z regelt" ("Gen Z takes charge") organized rallies in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and other locations, urging the government to increase spending on education and to end compulsory military service.
Police estimates put the total turnout at around 36,000 participants, roughly half of the 182,000 the organisers had initially projected. Authorities said the protests were largely peaceful, though they warned that extremist groups might try to exploit the gatherings. In Hamburg, some barricades were set on fire.
"We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion," said Lina Friedrich, a spokesperson for Gen Z regelt in Berlin.
"What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favour of a fairer distribution of the burden," Friedrich added.
Hesse interior minister Roman Poseck cautioned against emulating recent unrest in France, noting that "France must not be held up as a model in this regard."
Several businesses, including shops on Berlin's Kurfuerstendamm boulevard, boarded up windows and planned early closures amid concerns about possible disorder.
Among the protesters, 18-year-old Steve, speaking in Munich, said the government had offered no response to youth concerns other than continued cuts, and pledged to keep exercising the right to assemble.
The demonstrations occur as Germany seeks to revive economic growth while facing demographic pressures on pensions and public services. The national student umbrella organisation BSK has distanced itself from the campaign and announced a separate protest for Nov. 20. Student Sean Baker of the Technical University of Berlin said he would join the rallies to highlight the poor condition of campus facilities.