Gen Z Protests in Germany: What Are Young People Demanding from the Government?

On October 31, shops in the German city of Frankfurt were looted by participants in the unrest who had covered their faces with masks. The incidents occurred after tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of major German cities, demanding improvements in the quality of education and a reduction in the cost of living.

The protests continued a wave of demonstrations led by Generation Z across Europe this year. In Serbia, student-led activism forced the country's long-standing leader to leave office through elections. In France, meanwhile, unrest escalated into riots and looting.

The protests in Germany were organized by the “Gen Z regelt” (“Generation Z takes responsibility”) movement. Demonstrations took place in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. The movement opposed compulsory military service and called for increased funding for education. This is because many young people in Germany are facing financial difficulties as the cost of living continues to rise.

In Frankfurt, Germany's financial centre, the demonstrations turned violent. According to Reuters, despite police efforts to bring the situation under control, at least two shops were looted and several other retail outlets were damaged.

According to official figures, the number of protesters fell short of the 182,000 people expected by the organizers. Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin reported that around 18,000 people in total took part in the rallies. However, the organizers' website listed nearly 36,000 participants.

German authorities said that Saturday's demonstrations passed peacefully, despite coinciding with Halloween celebrations. They also warned that extremist groups could exploit the movement for their own purposes.

In Hamburg, some barricades were set on fire.

“We have gathered here today not to fight for war and violence, but to stand up for peace and freedom. The most important things for us are healthcare and greater support for the education system. We are against compulsory military service and support a fairer distribution of responsibilities,” said Lina Friedrich, press secretary of the “Gen Z regelt” organization.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, certain sections of Germany's far-left extremist circles, as well as some groups linked to foreign extremist movements, have joined forces with the aim of mobilizing supporters.

“The scenes in France — looting, burning houses and police cars, and attacks on police officers — are still fresh in everyone's minds. We must absolutely not follow France's example in this regard,” said Roman Poseck, Interior Minister of the federal state of Hesse, where Frankfurt is located.

The main issue highlighted by the protest organizers is the growing pressure on the younger generation in Europe's largest economy.

“In response to our concerns, the government has offered nothing but continued cuts and placing an even greater burden on our shoulders. As long as you continue to ignore us, we will keep exercising our fundamental right to hold assemblies,” said 18-year-old Steve, who was expected to speak at the rally in Munich, addressing Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Economic problems

Germany is struggling to restore economic growth. Furthermore, as the baby boomer generation retires and the working-age population declines, pressure on the country's pension system and public services has increased.

Questions about who is leading the movement and whether it was genuinely organized at the initiative of young people have also come into focus.

Germany's national association of school student organizations, BSK, distanced itself from the initiative and is planning to hold a separate protest on November 20.