German student initiative calls for nationwide protests as police warn of radicals

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - A new student initiative in Germany has called for nationwide protests on Oct. 31, as police warned that radical groups may try to take over the demonstrations for their own purposes.

The group “Gen Z steht auf” has called for protests in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich and other cities. Organizers say the demonstrations will address cuts to education and social spending, rising living costs and plans for military conscription.

Berlin police said they are concerned that radical groups may try to exploit the student protests for their own interests. “We will not allow that,” spokesman Florian Nath told German press agency DPA. “We will look carefully at whether these are legitimate student protests or who merely wants to use Halloween night for their own interests.”

Security sources told media that radical groups may try to turn the gatherings into street chaos, using the student protests as cover to stage violence, set fires or clash with police.

“Gen Z steht auf” co-initiator Akram Selo stressed that the demonstrations are to take place peacefully, telling local media that the group clearly distances itself from any kind of violence.

In its position paper, the initiative demands a policy that invests in education, social security, health and affordable living instead of saving at the expense of the young generation. “We are young people who no longer want to watch as decisions are made about our future without us being heard,” the organizers said. “Oct. 31 is only the beginning.”

Ayhan Şimşek