Germany is preparing for nationwide youth-led demonstrations on Saturday, October 31, with more than 160,000 people expected to participate in rallies across 34 cities, according to organisers.

The protests, organised by the campaign group “Gen Z regelt” (Gen Z Takes Charge), are calling for better education, lower living costs, increased investment in public services and an end to compulsory military service.

The movement reflects a wider wave of Gen Z-led protests across Europe, where young people have been demanding greater attention to economic pressures and their prospects.

German authorities expect most demonstrations to remain peaceful but have warned that extremist groups could attempt to exploit the gatherings. Some businesses in Berlin have boarded up their windows ahead of the rallies as a precaution against possible unrest.

The campaign has also faced questions about its leadership and organisation. Germany’s national student umbrella organisation has distanced itself from the initiative while acknowledging that young people have legitimate concerns.

Organisers maintain that peaceful protest is the way to make their demands heard.