Tens of thousands of people across Germany joined demonstrations on Saturday.
The campaign group Gen Z regelt organised protests in 34 cities, including Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin. Organisers initially expected more than 160,000 participants to join the movement on Saturday. Official figures from Saturday afternoon suggested the turnout was below the 182,000 people expected by the organisers.
Police in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt reported as many as 18,000 protesters in those specific locations. Roughly 36,000 protesters were registered on the website of the organisers. German authorities stated that Saturday's demonstrations had been largely peaceful so far.
However, some barricades were set on fire in Hamburg. German authorities warned of attempts by extremist groups to exploit the movement.
Lina Friedrich said, "We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion." Friedrich stated that what matters most to the movement is better support for the health and education systems.
She also said, "We are against compulsory military service and we are in favour of a fairer distribution of the burden." A Tiffany and Co store in Berlin was secured with wooden boards ahead of the expected protests by the youth movement Gen Z regelt on 30 October 2026.
Steve said, "The government has offered no response to our concerns other than to continue making cuts and piling further burdens upon us."
Steve added, "We will continue to exercise our fundamental right to assemble until you stop ignoring us."
Poseck further stated, "France must not be held up as a model in this regard."
Amy Kirchhoff said, "We are distancing ourselves from 'Gen Z regelt,' but not from the students themselves, who have legitimate concerns." The BSK plans to hold a separate day of protest on 20 November.
Sean Baker said, "When you go inside and enter the rooms, it looks like an abandoned building."
