The second day of youth protests held in Germany has recorded participation far lower than that from two weeks ago, in a demonstration which, as the Police indicated, has generally taken place peacefully.
In Berlin, around 700 people gathered in the afternoon, a figure slightly higher than that communicated by the organizers and, therefore, authorized. The march ended with two arrests for the alleged throwing of pyrotechnic devices, according to a police spokesperson, who said that close to 700 officers were deployed to oversee the mobilization.
In Bremen, in the north of the country, some 670 people attended the protest called in the city center, well below initial expectations, which pointed to attendance near 2,000 people.
Also in several cities in western Germany, the turnout has been lower than expected, with only 80 demonstrators in Wuppertal and 100 in Düsseldorf, far from the figures of the first call.
The platform 'Gen Z regelt' "Generation Z takes the reins" has driven this new wave of demonstrations, with demands ranging from an increase in funding for educational and psychosocial care centers to measures in response to the rising cost of living and greater social and climate justice.
Similarly, the initiative rejects the introduction of compulsory military service and the expansion of the State’s surveillance powers.
Two weeks ago, tens of thousands of young people took part in the first round of protests in numerous cities across the country. Although most of the gatherings passed without incidents, some escalated into violent clashes, after which the youth movement distanced itself from any form of violence.
For next Friday, a new wave of protests on a larger scale is expected both in Germany and in other parts of Europe, within the framework of a youth strike on a continental scale. In Berlin, the organizers have announced a demonstration for about 15,000 attendees.