Thousands join Gen Z-led protests across Germany over education and living costs

Berlin, Germany. Thousands of people took part in demonstrations across Germany on Saturday, led by a youth movement that calls for improved education and reduced living costs. The campaign follows similar Gen Z-driven protests elsewhere in Europe this year.

Movement and demands

The rallies were organised by the campaign group “Gen Z regelt”, which translates as Gen Z takes charge, and were planned in 34 cities, among them Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. The group opposes compulsory military service and wants more investment in education, saying many young Germans are struggling with rising costs. Organisers describe their focus as the mounting pressure on younger generations in Europe’s largest economy.

Related: Hooded rioters loot Frankfurt stores as Gen Z protests take place in 34 German cities

RelatedHooded rioters loot Frankfurt stores as Gen Z protests take place in 34 German cities

Turnout below expectations

Official figures released on Saturday afternoon indicated that attendance was far lower than the 182,000 people organisers had originally anticipated. Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin counted 6,000 protesters, whereas the organisers’ website cited about 36,000.

European context

The German events come after a series of demonstrations led by Generation Z across the continent this year. In Serbia, student-led activism contributed to the removal of the country’s long-serving leader at the ballot box. In France, protests have turned into rioting and looting.

Security concerns

German authorities expect the demonstrations, which fall on the same day as Halloween festivities, to remain largely peaceful. They have nevertheless cautioned that extremist groups may try to exploit the movement. According to the federal interior ministry, parts of the far-left extremist scene and certain groups tied to foreign extremist movements have joined efforts to mobilise support.

Roman Poseck, interior minister of the state of Hesse, whose capital is the financial centre Frankfurt, referred to images from France of looting, burning houses, burning police vehicles and attacks on officers. He said France “must not be held up as a model in this regard.”

Business precautions

Some businesses in German cities boarded up their windows and arranged to close early because of fears of possible unrest. Such measures were taken along Berlin’s luxury Kurfuerstendamm shopping boulevard, among other places.