CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the youth protests, sparked by the “Gen Z regelt” initiative, will not lead to any changes in his government’s political agenda. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius told dts Nachrichtenagentur on Monday that the Chancellor feels strongly reaffirmed in the continuation of his current policies.
While acknowledging that the thematic concerns raised by the protestors are “legitimate,” Merz argues that these issues must be viewed through the lens of intergenerational responsibility. Taking pensions as an example, Kornelius noted that as a generation enters retirement age, they are facing potentially increased medical needs, creating a burden that the younger generation cannot sustainably shoulder, especially given demographic realities. Therefore, the Chancellor is pushing forward reforms to health and pension systems, viewing them as “absolutely central steering points” in the social security system.
The Chancellor has repeatedly stressed that the primary goal of these reforms is to improve the living conditions and future prospects for young people. Though Merz conceded that there are existing “deficits”-such as in residential construction-which are “naturally recognized,” he pointed to current initiatives aimed at solving these shortages, such as the “Bauturbo” program and the use of “Gebäudetyp E.”
Addressing the protestors’ demands to abolish mandatory military service, Kornelius countered that the fundamental purpose of national defense is to prevent conflict. He asserted that the deterrent capability of the German Armed Forces is designed precisely to ensure the country remains uninvolved in war.
On Saturday afternoon, tens of thousands of people rallied nationwide following the call of the “Gen Z regelt” initiative, demonstrating largely peacefully in many cities. However, the evening brought outbreaks of violence and unrest in several locations.
