Protection of the Constitution: Generation under observation

AFP | The Office for the Protection of the Constitution has warned of possible instrumentalisation of the nationwide youth protests planned for Saturday by left-wing extremist groups. “Posts under slogans such as ‘Gen Z regulates’ are currently being spread on social media, calling for nationwide student protests,” the authority explained in response to a request from the Handelsblatt (Wednesday edition). In addition to predominantly non-extremist actors, “parts of the left-wing extremist scene” also took up the calls. Occasionally, “groups from foreign-related extremism” also took part in the mobilization.

It is part of the well-known approach of left-wing extremist actors to “influence existing and legitimate democratic discourses, supplement them with their ideological positions and radicalize social protest,” the Office for the Protection of the Constitution explained. That's why we're watching developments with particular attention.

For next Saturday (October 31st), the “GenZ regulates” initiative has called for nationwide protests in 24 cities. Among other things, she calls for more investment in education and health, climate protection, an affordable life and is against possible military conscription. In her call, she also referred to the youth protests in France and other countries, among others.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is increasingly monitoring relevant websites and social networks. There, “calls for violent participation or for using the demonstrations to spread violence could be shared,” a ministry spokesman told the newspaper. At the same time, the ministry emphasized that a clear distinction must be made between peaceful student protests and violent extremists who abuse such gatherings for their own purposes.

According to the Interior Ministry, federal and state authorities are communicating closely about possible threats, including in the Joint Extremism and Counter-Terrorism Center. The federal police should support the states if necessary. “People who want to enter the country to violently participate in the demonstrations are already being turned back at the border by the federal police,” said the ministry spokesman.