Germany Sees Mass Gen Z Protests Over Living Costs and Military Service

In Germany, Zoom users have taken to the streets in protest

On 31 October, mass protests took place across Germany, organised by the youth movement Gen Z regelt (‘Generation Z Decides’). The organisers had hoped to attract more than 160,000 participants across 34 cities nationwide, but figures so far indicate there were 60,000 demonstrators. They are protesting against the rising cost of living, increased state control and compulsory military service, and are calling for increased spending on education.

Photo: Reuters

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According to the organisers, demonstrations took place in Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Cologne and other cities, reports DW. The movement, which emerged a few weeks ago and was inspired by youth protests in other European countries, is also calling for improved access to psychotherapy, expanded support for people with addictions, and stronger climate protection measures.

The participants’ main concern is that growing economic and social problems are having a severe impact on the younger generation. The protests are taking place against the backdrop of economic difficulties in Germany, which is trying to recover from the crisis. At the same time, demographic changes are placing an increasing strain on the pension system and public services.

In recent days, concerns have been voiced in Germany that the youth protests could escalate into unrest, similar to the demonstrations in France and Italy, reports KNA. The police are preparing for possible breaches of public order.

The organisers themselves emphasise that they are advocating exclusively for peaceful demonstrations. “We want to bring people together, not allow them to be pitted against one another. Violence against people or property runs counter to everything we stand for,” said representatives of the movement.

The initiative’s website prohibits the participation of extremist groups and the use of anti-constitutional symbols. The organisers also warned against bringing glass objects or weapons, provoking the police, and breaching the ban on wearing masks at demonstrations.

The Federal Conference of German School Students (BSK), which represents the interests of around 7.5 million pupils, has distanced itself from the Gen Zregelt initiative, citing the lack of transparency in its organisational structures. Instead, the organisation intends to hold its own protest on 20 November.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

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