Germany: Youth movement “Gen Z Rules” issues open letter to Chancellor Merz ahead of nationwide protests

A new German youth movement published an open letter online on Thursday setting out its demands to Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of planned nationwide protests. The group said austerity policies are stripping young people of hope and that their patience has run out. It plans peaceful demonstrations in more than 20 cities on October 31.
The movement, made up of high school and university students, apprentices and young professionals, is planning major protests in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne, with additional demonstrations in 27 other cities. Organizers say more than 150,000 people have already registered online.
Its demands include ending cuts to social spending in favour of more funding for schools and an affordable cost of living, a fairer distribution of burdens, halting plans to restore military conscription, stronger protection of fundamental rights instead of expanded surveillance, and serious climate action. The group also accused the government of ignoring young people’s concerns about wars and conflicts.