Germany sees widespread Gen Z protests against Merz
Photo: Youth criticize the actions of the German government (Getty Images)
On October 31, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in several major German cities to express their disagreement with the policies of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his administration, according to DIE ZEIT.
The protests were organized by the movement "Gen Z hat genug!" ("Generation Z has had enough!").
The largest gathering took place in Berlin, drawing around 5,000 people. Approximately 3,000 participants took to the streets in Stuttgart, and over 2,000 in Hamburg.
Among the protesters' primary demands are reducing the cost of living, increasing education funding, and climate protection. At the same time, they are opposing the increase in military spending.
During the protests, demonstrators are erecting barricades, lighting flares, and setting off firecrackers. Due to the unrest, shop owners are taking security measures and reinforcing their storefronts.
Protests in Germany on October 31 (Photo: Getty Images)
"Protesters repeatedly set off firecrackers, while activists waved Palestinian flags. Police stormed the street with a large contingent and deployed two water cannons, which they immediately directed at the crowd," journalists report.
Protests in Germany on October 31 (Photo: Getty Images)
At the central bus station, protesters also threw fireworks and bottles at law enforcement officers. In response, police dispersed across several streets and pushed pedestrians toward the main railway station.
Protests in Germany on October 31 (Photo: Getty Images)
According to media reports, the demonstration began early in the day at the Wesel shipyard and proceeded mostly peacefully for several hours. The march was only briefly interrupted by a few masked individuals.
Protests in Germany on October 31 (Photo: Getty Images)
The Gen Z regelt initiative reports protests in twelve cities with a total turnout of over 68,000 people. Police data across the country is not yet available, but in some cities, the figures are lower than the organizers’ estimates.
Protests in Germany on October 31 (Photo: Getty Images)
During the demonstration in Hamburg, riots broke out and were dispersed by the police. Bonfires were lit within the crowd, various objects were thrown at police officers, fireworks and pyrotechnics were repeatedly set off, and trash bins were set on fire.
Protests in Germany on October 31 (Photo: Getty Images)
Calls for the resignation of Friedrich Merz were frequently heard in the crowd. Young people are expressing concerns over a deterioration in their quality of life.
Among other things, demonstrators protested against cuts to social security and the possibility of military conscription. Various slogans could be seen on placards, such as "Education instead of shooting" and "No to conscription."
Protesters in Czechia had issued demands to the government.
We also wrote about why protests in Barcelona escalated into violent clashes.
