German youth protests draw 120,000, unrest follows

Youth-led demonstrations over living costs, education funding and military service took place in 34 German cities on October 31, with organisers reporting about 120,000 participants nationwide. Most rallies were peaceful during the day, but violence and police responses followed in several cities during the evening. The Gen Z regelt movement said attendance fell short of its initial expectation of about 180,000 to 182,000. Police in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich estimated a combined turnout of around 18,000 in those cities, compared with about 36,000 claimed by organisers for the same locations. The figures cover different geographic scopes and are estimates from organisers and police. The protests called for more investment in education and public services, relief from rising living costs and opposition to compulsory military service. Demonstrators also objected to increased military spending and a new voluntary service model, which they fear could lead to conscription. The movement framed its demonstrations as a response to concerns about young people’s economic security and influence over government decisions. In Frankfurt, police said shop windows had been smashed and...