Heidi Reichinnek, the leader of the Left parliamentary group, has defended the planned student protests for Saturday against critics. Speaking to the news portal T-Online, Reichinnek stated that young people are taking to the streets because they demand their lives become affordable again. She clarified that the demands are not unreasonable, citing a better education system, genuine climate protection, a fair distribution of wealth and income, and opposition to compulsory military service as examples.
The Left politician criticized the current reaction, stating that the protest is being criminalized from the outset. She argued that while other groups are treated with respect when they take to the streets, “here, before anything even happens, there is rhetorical criticism, the Bundeswehr is brought into the discussion, and a harsh police action is demanded.” Reichinnek specifically referenced a call made by the Young Union regional association in Berlin-Mitte, which requested the involvement of the armed forces to suppress the protests. This particular association has since distanced itself from that request.
Reichinnek further criticized the political climate, asserting that while “Nazis march, the silence is deafening; young people call for peaceful protest, and one politician conjures up extremism and infiltration instead of actually discussing the problems that are the source of the fear, frustration, and anger of young people.” She stressed that young people no longer accept being treated as if their politics are against them. They want to be heard and want meaningful participation. Reichinnek promised support from the Left party to “Gen Z and all participants,” concluding that the problem lies with politics, not the youth.
