In brief
German organisers hope to mobilise more than 160,000 Gen‑Z activists for Saturday’s rallies across 34 cities, pressing for better education and lower living costs. The protests, part of a Europe‑wide movement, are largely predicted to be peaceful, though authorities caution against extremist exploitation. Economic pressures and calls for reform drive the demonstrations, while some businesses prepare for potential unrest.
In Germany, organisers anticipate more than 160,000 Gen Z activists will march on Saturday, Halloween, across 34 cities demanding better education and lower living costs.
The protest is organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt and follows a wave of youth‑led demonstrations across Europe this year.
Participants call for an end to compulsory military service, greater investment in education, and a response to the rising cost of living that many young Germans face.
German authorities expect the rallies to remain largely peaceful but have warned that extremist groups could try to use the movement to further their own agendas.
"We all have those images from France in our minds – looting, burning houses, burning police vehicles, and attacks on police officers," said Roman Poseck, interior minister for the state of Hesse. He added that France must not be held up as a model for Germany.
In Berlin, some businesses along the luxury Kurfüerstenäder shopping boulevard boarded up windows and planned early closures ahead of the demonstrations amid concerns about possible unrest.
"The government has offered no response to our concerns other than to continue making cuts and piling further burdens upon us," said Steve, an 18‑year‑old due to speak at a rally in Munich, addressing Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He added that the youth would continue to exercise their fundamental right to assemble until the government stops ignoring them.
The protests come as Germany faces pressure to revive economic growth while contending with growing burdens on pensions and public services as baby boomers retire and the working‑age population shrinks.
Fears that parts of the country’s far‑left extremist scene and groups linked to foreign extremist movements could mobilise support have increased the government’s caution.
Despite the concerns, the demonstrations are being framed by organisers as a civic push for change, rather than a platform for extremist activity.
