In several German cities, so-called Gen Z protests kicked off on Saturday afternoon. In Berlin, specifically in front of the Brandenburg Gate, nearly 4,500 demonstrators had gathered within the first hour after the official start time of 2 p.m., a police spokesperson told a reporter from the dts Nachrichtenagentur on site. The spokesperson further noted to the dts reporter that, so far, there had been no significant incidents and the overall situation remained calm. Organizers anticipate over 10,000 protesters in Berlin, and nationally, they are hoping for more than 100,000 participants.
The initiative, titled “Gen Z regelt” (Gen Z is managing), had called for demonstrations not only in Berlin but also in over 30 other cities. Key demands include measures against dilapidated schools, rising cost of living, what they describe as an “unjust distribution of burdens,” and action against climate change. The protest calls also incorporate a rejection of mandatory military service and a “surveillance apparatus” that they feel is continually expanding.
Similar protests have occurred in France, Italy, and other countries, some of which have recently led to serious unrest and riots. The official organizers of the German protests stressed that the demonstrations must remain peaceful.
Prior to the protests, numerous shops and facilities took precautions. For instance, in Berlin’s Kudamm, luxury goods stores put plywood boards in front of their windows. In some buildings in the government district, business tenants were informed that exterior shutters would be closed during the weekend, as protection against flying debris.
The Federal Government declined to comment on specific security measures on Friday. A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior stated that risk assessments are “naturally carried out continuously.” As for where the Chancellor would be on Saturday and whether the protests would play any role in his schedule, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Sebastian Hille, kept the question open during an interview with the dts Nachrichtenagentur on Friday.
