Thousands of young people plan Halloween protests across Germany

Nearly 146,000 young people have registered online to join protests in dozens of German cities on Halloween, according to the “Gen Z regelt” initiative. Police across the country are preparing for large gatherings, with the biggest events expected in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich.

The protests are decentralized, organised mainly through social media. In Berlin, around 10,000 people have signed up for a rally at Brandenburg Gate starting at 2pm, with about 1,500 police officers on duty. In Frankfurt, more than 11,000 registered, though police expect fewer to attend.

Organisers say they are protesting against cuts to education and mental health services, and against new military service rules. They demand more investment in schools and support for young people instead of spending on defence.

The new military service law, in force since January, requires 18-year-olds to fill out a Bundeswehr questionnaire. From July 2027, all men born in 2008 or later will have to undergo medical exams for conscription. Service is voluntary for now, but could become mandatory if not enough volunteers step forward.

The initiative is new and loosely organised. A previous spokesperson stepped down citing disagreements among groups, and the website’s imprint changed twice in a week. Some organisations have distanced themselves from the protests, and organisers acknowledge they are still learning.