After the unrest in France, mass protests are being prepared in Germany: what is known

In Germany, the youth initiative Gen Z regelt has called for mass protests on October 31 in 21 cities across the country. Demonstrations are planned in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, among others. Thousands of people are expected to participate in the actions. The organizers are protesting against the deterioration of schools, austerity measures, the high cost of living, and social injustice. Other topics of the protests include mandatory military service and climate change. ### Protests in France have raised concerns in Germany The preparation for demonstrations comes amid large-scale youth protests in other European countries. In France, the protest movement began with dissatisfaction among students and schoolchildren with the public education system, but later evolved into broader demonstrations. Last weekend, protests in France were accompanied by clashes with police, riots, and other acts of violence. Unrest also occurred during demonstrations in Italy and Spain. These events have raised concerns among German authorities about the potential development of the situation during the upcoming actions. ### Organizers are against violence On its website, the initiative Gen Z regelt emphasizes that it opposes any forms of violence—both against people and property. The German police state that they remain vigilant but intend to act calmly. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that their task is to ensure citizens can exercise their right to peaceful assembly and free expression of opinions. At the same time, some German politicians and police representatives warn of the risk that left-wing extremist groups may attempt to exploit the protests. ### Police promise to respond firmly to unrest The chairman of the German Police Union (GdP), Andreas Roscow, stated on Wednesday to the Rheinische Post that law enforcement agencies are prepared to suppress any potential violations of public order. "Both the state police and the federal police will respond firmly and decisively," he emphasized. Roscow also warned that radicals and extremists might try to infiltrate the ranks of demonstrators to provoke clashes with the police or incite riots. Meanwhile, the organizers of the upcoming actions declare their commitment to non-violent methods of protest.