Thousands Rally Across Germany Over Education Cuts and Living Costs

Thousands of people took to the streets in Berlin and more than 30 other German cities on Saturday, protesting rising living costs, education cuts and proposed military conscription, as student-led demonstrations continue to spread across Europe.

The demonstrations, organised by the Gen Z Regelt (Gen Z sorts it) alliance, drew large crowds in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich. Organisers said more than 100,000 people participated nationwide, according to German news agency dpa.

Police estimated that around 5,000 people joined the protest in Berlin, while organisers put the figure at approximately 10,000.

Protesters gathered near the Brandenburg Gate, with students joined by activists and supporters from different generations. The rally remained largely peaceful in Berlin, although scuffles were reported between police and demonstrators in Cologne.

The protesters raised concerns over government spending priorities, arguing that funding for education and social services is being reduced while billions of euros are being allocated to military spending.

Students also highlighted the growing financial pressure of pursuing higher education amid rising living costs, university funding shortages and job insecurity.

The demonstrations come amid a broader wave of youth-led protests across Europe, including in France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Serbia.

Researchers say growing frustration among young people, particularly over deteriorating educational infrastructure and economic pressures, is driving the protests and increasing demands for governments to address their concerns.