An initiative “Gen-Z” (Generation Z), created by youth of school age, many of whom are student representatives, held afternoon rallies in 34 cities of Germany protesting against the politicians’ neglect of genuine interests of the young generation, for which, allegedly, there is no money, whereas for rearmament, billions of euros are available and spent. The initiative, which hopes to mobilize 160,000, says that the youth are inspired by recent youth protests in France, Spain, and Belgium, and that they want their protest to be forceful but peaceful, and to reject violence.

A flyer for distribution at all rallies lists the following demands:

• Dilapidated schools and austerity measures: Cuts are being made to education, social services, culture, and health care. Addiction treatment centers for young people are closing, and psychotherapy is barely accessible to many anymore.

• Rising cost of living: Price hikes, high taxes, and poverty weigh heavily on many people’s daily lives—their concerns receive too little attention.

• Unfair distribution of burdens: The cuts are being borne by us, while large corporations continue to profit and billions flow into military spending.