31.10.2026 21:42
In protests held in 34 cities at the call of the "Gen Z regelt" movement in Germany, young people took to the streets against rising living costs, problems in the education system, and debates over compulsory military service. Although more than 182,000 participation notifications were made to the organizers, turnout at the demonstrations remained below expectations. Due to incidents in Cologne, police canceled the march, while in Stuttgart there were occasional clashes between protesters and security forces.
Nationwide protests were held in Germany under the leadership of the youth movement "Gen Z regelt".
THOUSANDS TOOK TO THE STREETS IN 34 CITIES
Young people seeking to draw attention to problems in the education system, rising living costs, cuts in social services, and debates over compulsory military service joined demonstrations in 34 cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and Hamburg. Although organizers announced they had received more than 182,000 online registrations, the number of people who actually participated in the demonstrations remained below expectations.
POLICE CANCELED THE MARCH IN COLOGNE
Police intervened following incidents during the demonstrations in Cologne, the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. According to police statements, because some demonstrators covered their faces and used flammable materials, the planned march was canceled, while a rally was permitted. In Cologne, organizers expected about 15,000 people to participate, but police stated that participation remained significantly below this figure.
TENSIONS AND CLASHES OCCURRED AT TIMES
Tensions and clashes also occurred at times between police and demonstrators in Stuttgart. According to a police statement, the march was stopped several times after some demonstrators covered their faces and used smoke bombs and flammable materials such as fireworks.
While protests in the country's other major cities generally passed calmly, participation in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich remained below expectations. According to news reports, approximately 6,000 people participated in the protests in these three cities.
THE PROTESTERS' DEMANDS
The "Gen Z regelt" movement argues that young people should have more say in political and economic decisions that directly affect their future. The movement's main demands include allocating more resources to the education system, addressing teacher shortages, and renovating aging school buildings. "Gen Z regelt" also demands measures against rising rents and living costs and an end to cuts in social assistance and healthcare services.