Gen Z Protests in Over 30 Cities, Saturday 31 October
Published
Young people are demonstrating in more than 30 German cities on Saturday 31 October under the slogan "Gen Z regelt". Most rallies were called for 14:00, among them Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich. The organisers said more than 160,000 people could take part. Registrations on their website are not confirmed numbers, and the police give their own figures after the events.
The initiative lists six demands: money for schools, addiction help and psychotherapy instead of cuts, an affordable life, a fairer sharing of burdens, no return of compulsory military service, protection of basic rights against more surveillance, and stronger climate protection. A spokeswoman said young people feel politicians do not listen to them, and she rejected warnings that extremists could take over the protests. The group runs the rallies in a few big cities itself, while local groups organise the others.
The Federal Interior Ministry said it had no information about planned violence, but warned that parts of the left wing extremist scene and some foreign extremist groups were joining the mobilisation. Berlin's mayor Kai Wegner announced a tough response in case of riots. The federal school students' conference distanced itself from the calls, citing a lack of transparency.
What this means for you: expect crowds, road closures and changed bus and tram routes in city centres on Saturday afternoon and evening, and follow police instructions. Taking part in a registered, peaceful demonstration is legal in Germany for everyone, whatever their nationality. If you are not a German citizen, stay away from any unrest, because a criminal conviction can affect residence permits and naturalisation.
Sources: Deutschlandfunk, MDR
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