Berlin, October 22nd, 2026 (The Berlin Spectator) – A group calling itself “Gen Z steht auf” (“Gen Z Rises Up”) wants to bring young people onto the streets of numerous German cities on October 31st. Its demands include better education, a life that is affordable and no return to compulsory military service. Co-initiator Akram Selo was quoted saying that the organizers “clearly distance” themselves from violence and that the events are meant to be peaceful.
Security officials are not taking that for granted. Roman Poseck, the CDU interior minister of Hesse, said the call to protest was also being exploited by left-wing groups. He promised a heavy police presence and zero tolerance for violence against people or property.
In Berlin, police spokesman Florian Nath said investigators would examine whether the demonstrations were genuine student protests or whether some people were merely looking for a stage. He pointed to Halloween as a convenient cover.
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Possible Scenarios
The police union GdP in Berlin expects a major operation. State chairman Stephan Weh said authorities were running through possible scenarios. Two factors worry him, namely the pictures from France and the tradition of fireworks on Halloween night.
The French riots are indeed on many minds. Over the weekend, nationwide protests against the high cost of living turned into severe clashes and looting, and several cities including Paris imposed curfews on Monday evening.
Security sources say the events are being watched closely in Germany and are often praised on social media, while left-wing groups try to harness them for their own campaigns.