RismadarVoice Reporters
October 31, 2026
Authorities in Germany and France have stepped up security preparations ahead of nationwide demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, as growing frustration over living costs, education and economic opportunities fuels youth-led protests across Europe.
In Germany, more than 160,000 people are expected to participate in demonstrations across 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne.
The protests are being organised by a youth-led movement known as Gen Z regelt, meaning “Gen Z has got this.”
Organisers are demanding greater investment in education, affordable housing, improved public services and policies that address the economic difficulties facing younger generations.
The movement has also raised objections to proposals concerning compulsory military service.
German authorities are deploying additional police personnel to maintain public order, with approximately 1,500 officers expected in Berlin alone.
Some businesses have boarded up their windows or announced plans to close early over concerns about possible disturbances.
However, authorities have indicated that most demonstrations are expected to remain peaceful.
In France, security preparations are more extensive following violent protests earlier in October.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, warning that Saturday presented a particularly high risk of public disorder.
More than 40 metro stations in Paris are expected to close, while tram services could also experience disruptions.
French authorities have warned against the use of Halloween costumes or masks to conceal identities during unlawful activities.
The planned demonstrations follow several weekends of protests involving students, trade unions and Yellow Vest activists.
Protesters have expressed dissatisfaction with rising living costs, inequality, deteriorating educational facilities and government economic policies.
Demonstrations on October 17 escalated into violence in several French cities, with reports of looting, vandalism and clashes between protesters and security personnel.
Although subsequent demonstrations were generally more controlled, concerns remain about renewed disturbances.
Alain Di Crescenzo, president of France’s network of chambers of commerce, expressed concern about the potential impact on businesses.
He warned that traders were already experiencing substantial losses from previous demonstrations and feared further disruption during the Halloween weekend.
French officials have also raised concerns about social media messages encouraging confrontations after scheduled protests.
Despite the heightened security measures, organisers maintain that their demonstrations are intended to draw attention to economic hardship and demand government action.
The developments reflect mounting pressure on European governments to address public dissatisfaction while protecting the right to peaceful assembly and maintaining public safety.
