Gen Z protests reach Germany as over 160,000 expected at Halloween rallies

More than 160,000 young people are anticipated to gather in various cities across Germany on Saturday for a wave of demonstrations, according to organisers. Inspired by youth-led protests in Europe, the movement seeks to address issues of education and living costs. These protests follow a series of youth-led demonstrations across the continent this year, with notable examples such as Serbia’s student-led activism leading to a change in leadership, and France's protests escalating into riots and looting.

Organised by Gen Z regelt (Gen Z takes charge), the protests are set to take place in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. The campaign aims to oppose compulsory military service and advocates for increased investment in education for young Germans grappling with rising costs. German authorities predict the demonstrations, falling on Halloween, will be largely peaceful, but have cautioned against potential disruptions by extremist groups.

Interior Minister Roman Poseck of Hesse, the state housing Germany's financial capital Frankfurt, voiced concern about the possibility of unrest, drawing parallels between France's recent demonstrations and the situation in Germany. In Berlin, some high-end retailers along the prestigious Kurfürstendamm avenue are boarding up windows and planning to close early due to apprehensions over possible disturbances.

The protesters, however, are primarily focused on the economic pressures faced by their generation across Europe. Steve, an 18-year-old participant, addressed Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a nearby rally in Munich, criticizing the government's lack of response to their concerns, primarily offering more cuts and additional burdens.

The movement's legitimacy has been questioned due to its diverse mix of political and civil society groups, with Germany's school student umbrella organisation, BSK, distancing itself from the initiative but supporting the concerns expressed by the students.