On Saturday, several cities across Germany were swept by protests led by Generation Z youths, who chose a new approach this time.
The rallies took place peacefully, unlike protests in several other European countries, including Albania, where clashes and incidents of violence have been reported. From the outset, the organizers made clear that they were not seeking confrontation with the police, but were opposing current policies which, they say, are taking away their future.
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The “Gen Zi regelt” initiative said it supports peaceful protests only and opposes any form of violence. On its official website, the organizers also stressed that the demonstrations should not be accompanied by extremist groups or unconstitutional symbols.
Participants were asked not to bring glass bottles or weapons, not to provoke police forces, and to respect the ban on covering their faces during the protests.
The young people’s main demands include increased funding for schools, support for people with addictions and psychotherapy services, as well as measures to address the rising cost of living. They are also calling for greater social justice and measures to protect the climate.
Protesters are also opposing the return of compulsory military service and the expansion of state surveillance. According to the organizers, the number of participants in the protests exceeded 68,000.
Fearing a repeat of incidents similar to those that occurred in France, many retailers in urban centers, particularly in areas with luxury boutiques in Germany’s major cities, covered their shop windows in advance with wooden panels. To ensure order and security, police deployed hundreds of additional officers in several areas.
