October 31: Gen Z Protest in 34 German Cities

On Saturday, October 31, 120,000 young people (and others) demonstrated in 34 German cities—from Berlin to Munich, from Hamburg to Cologne, from Frankfurt to Hanover, Stuttgart, Erfurt, Dortmund, and many other smaller towns—on issues that also characterize youth protests in France and Italy: the high cost of living, the poor state of schools, cuts to public spending, inaction on climate change, increased military spending, war, and—an issue particularly close to Germans’ hearts—opposition to the return of mandatory military service.

Young people are rebelling against politicians who “decide our future without consulting us” and have clear ideas about what they want: as explained on the website of the movement “GenZ regelt!” (“Gen Z Takes Care of It!”), the organizer of the demonstrations, they are calling for investments in schools, healthcare, housing, and the environment. They reject all forms of violence, racism, hatred, discrimination, and provocations against the police. In fact, the demonstrations have been mostly peaceful, with isolated incidents in some cities, contradicting the alarms sounded in the preceding days by much of the media.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14: “We will demonstrate again for education, healthcare, the climate, and a life that’s affordable for everyone,” announces the GenZ regelt! website.

Anna Polo