Youth activists in Germany hold Halloween rallies demanding education reforms and lower costs

Campaign goals focus on education and military service

The campaign group Gen Z regelt opposes compulsory military service and calls for greater investment in education. Young Germans participating in the rallies cite rising living costs as a primary motivation for their involvement.

Turnout figures vary between official estimates and police counts

Police reports from Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin indicated approximately 18,000 protesters attended the events on Saturday. This number represents half of the roughly 36,000 participants listed on the organisers website for those specific locations.

Authorities warn against extremist exploitation of the movement

German officials state that demonstrations have been largely peaceful but caution that extremist groups may attempt to exploit the situation. The federal interior ministry noted that far-left factions and foreign-linked movements are trying to mobilise support for their causes.