Germany Braces for Youth Protests in About 30 Cities on Saturday
The German youth initiative "Gen Z regelt" is organising demonstrations in around 30 cities on Saturday against the cost of living, climate change and conditions in schools. Organisers expect tens of thousands of participants, while similar protests in France have already turned into riots.
Germany is preparing for large youth protests on Saturday in roughly 30 cities. They are organised by the youth initiative "Gen Z regelt", which opposes the high cost of living, climate change and conditions in schools. The action is part of a wider youth-led wave of protests across Europe, and it comes as comparable protests in France have already led to violence.
On Thursday, the organisers urged people to take to the streets "in a spirit of solidarity and peace". The initiative's spokesperson Amadeo, who did not wish to give his surname publicly, described the movement as "a very diverse group of students, pupils and trainees". According to him, 146,000 people have so far registered to take part, and the organisers expect tens of thousands to turn out on Saturday.
Criticism of disorganisation
The initiative has been criticised as disorganised because various social media accounts linked to it have appeared online. Amadeo explained that the organising team, which numbers about 30 people nationwide, runs only the accounts listed on its website, while supporters have set up accounts of their own.
Letter to the government
In an open letter, "Gen Z regelt" urged the German government and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to listen more carefully to young people's demands. The letter states: "Your austerity policy takes all hope away from us." It also criticises policy carried out "at the expense of the younger generation". By Thursday midday, about 22,500 people had signed it.
The situation in France
In France, protests escalated into widespread disorder on 17 October. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has warned of a very high risk of violence at the protests expected this weekend. The Yellow Vests movement, along with associations of secondary-school and university students, has again called on people to gather on Saturday against the cost of living and inequality.
