"Generation Z calls the shots" calls for protests in 21 German cities to distance itself from French riots

Youth advocacy group Gen Z regelt has called for large-scale protests in 21 German cities on Saturday, October 31, including Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Munich.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the demonstrations, which range from "blighted schools and austerity" to the cost of living, social injustice, compulsory military service and climate change.

The protests that turned into violent clashes and widespread destruction of private and public property in France this weekend also stemmed from students' dissatisfaction with the country's school system, and were subsequently joined by multiple unions, groups and individuals to express their anger on a range of issues.

Generation Z Calls the Shots makes it clear on its website that the initiative "opposes all violence," whether against people or property.

Police said they were "both vigilant and relaxed" and said they intended to protect people's rights to assemble and express their opinions.

Still, images of widespread destruction and street violence from France, Italy and Spain have stoked concerns among policymakers and police in Germany, who have warned against allowing protests to be hijacked by left-wing extremists.

Andreas Roßkopf, head of the federal police department of the German Police Union (GdP), made it clear that police officers will deal harshly with rioters and troublemakers. He told the Rheinische Post newspaper on Wednesday that state police and federal police would "respond resolutely and resolutely" to any disorder.

Rothkopf also warned that radicals and extremists could infiltrate the demonstrators in order to "attack the police" or "simply cause destruction."