Gen Z protests set to sweep Germany as over 160,000 expected at rallies

BERLIN – More than 160,000 people are expected to participate in demonstrations across Germany on Saturday as a youth-led movement takes to the streets to demand improved education facilities, lower living costs and an end to compulsory military service. The protests, organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt (Gen Z takes charge), are scheduled in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. The demonstrations come amid a wider wave of youth-led activism across Europe, with young people increasingly raising concerns over economic pressures, education and government policies. The movement follows major Gen Z protests in several European countries this year. In Serbia, student-led political activism contributed to a major electoral setback for the country's long-standing leadership, while demonstrations in France have at times escalated into violence, looting and clashes with police. German authorities expect Saturday's gatherings, which coincide with Halloween celebrations, to remain largely peaceful. However, they have warned that extremist elements could attempt to exploit the demonstrations. The Federal Interior Ministry has reported mobilisation efforts involving sections of the far-left extremist scene and groups associated with foreign extremist movements. Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck cautioned against the possibility of violence, saying Germany should not follow the example of unrest witnessed in France, where buildings, police vehicles and law enforcement personnel were targeted. In Berlin, several businesses along the upscale Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard have taken precautionary measures, including boarding up shop windows and planning to close earlier than usual amid concerns about possible disturbances. Youth concerns and political debate Organisers say the demonstrations are intended to highlight the mounting financial and social challenges facing younger generations in Europe's largest economy. Steve, an 18-year-old scheduled to address a rally in Munich, criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government for failing to respond adequately to young people's concerns. He said protesters would continue exercising their constitutional right to assemble until their demands were taken seriously. Germany is facing economic difficulties, while demographic changes are putting additional pressure on its pension system and public services. The retirement of the baby-boom generation and a shrinking working-age population have intensified debates over public spending priorities. However, questions have also emerged over the campaign's leadership and whether it genuinely represents a youth-led movement, given the involvement of a diverse range of political and civil society groups. Germany's national umbrella organisation representing school students, BSK, has distanced itself from Gen Z regelt while acknowledging that students have legitimate concerns. The organisation has announced plans for a separate nationwide day of protest on November 20. Meanwhile, Sean Baker, a student at the Technical University of Berlin, said he intended to join Saturday's demonstrations to highlight the deteriorating condition of university buildings. He complained that some campus facilities appeared abandoned and were unsuitable for students expected to use them regularly.