HAMBURG, Germany, October 31, 2026 — Thousands of people marched through Hamburg on Saturday against compulsory military service and for greater investment in education, social protection and affordable living, joining a nationwide day of youth-led protests associated with the “Gen Z regelt” initiative. The wider mobilisation also called for stronger climate action and greater influence for young people over political decisions. ndr.de
The gathering began at Jungfernstieg before demonstrators moved through the city centre towards St. Georg. Local broadcaster NDR described the march as largely peaceful before confrontations developed near its conclusion. Participants carried banners addressing education, military spending and international solidarity. ndr.de
Construction barriers were set alight near Steindamm and Lohmühlenstraße. Police said some participants threw stones, fireworks and other objects at officers. Officers intervened, with pepper spray used during confrontations and a water cannon deployed to extinguish burning material. Demonstranten zünden Barrikaden an
Sedat Suna’s photographs document smoke flares, masked participants, close confrontations between demonstrators and police, and burning barriers near Lohmühlenstraße station.
