Thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets across major German cities on Saturday, October 31, protesting rising living costs, government budget cuts, and proposals for compulsory military service.
According to figures provided by German authorities, approximately 5,000 people turned out for demonstrations in Berlin, while an estimated 8,000 participants gathered in Frankfurt. The protests were organized in response to a public call issued by the youth-led movement GenZ Regelt, which translates to “Gen Z decides!”
Participants in the mobilization focused their grievances on several key economic and social pressures. The agenda centered on the soaring cost of living, severe funding cuts impacting social and educational sectors, and widespread opposition to the reintroduction of military conscription.
While initial gatherings and daytime marches proceeded largely without incident, demonstrations in Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt eventually turned volatile. Clashes broke out between groups of protesters and law enforcement personnel as tensions escalated by the end of the day.
