Student protests planned across German cities over social cuts and conscription

Tens of thousands of students are expected to take to the streets in cities across Germany on Saturday to protest against cuts to social spending and plans to revive mandatory military service, according to organizers cited by Anadolu Agency (AA).

The demonstrations are being organized by a new youth initiative called Gen Z Regelt, meaning "Gen Z handles it." The group, made up of high school and university students, said on its website that it rejects violence and intends to hold peaceful marches. Organizers said nearly 175,000 people have registered online to take part.

Major marches are planned in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne, with additional protests scheduled in 29 other cities. The initiative is also demanding increased education funding and measures to address the cost-of-living crisis.

The group criticized cuts to social spending, the government's handling of the climate crisis and what it described as a failure to address young people's concerns about wars and conflicts. It also opposed plans to revive military conscription and called for greater investment in education.

According to Anadolu Agency, the protests reflect growing mobilization among younger voters in Germany over social policy, education and military service.