Berlin Police Deploy 1,500 Officers for Halloween as Gen-Z Protests Planned

Authorities in Berlin announced on 28 October that approximately 1,500 police officers — backed by federal police — would be deployed across the city on 31 October (Halloween) to manage a wave of planned demonstrations. The mobilisation follows nationwide calls by the "Gen Z regelt" initiative for youth protests on that date, inspired in part by recent unrest in France. Thirteen assemblies have been registered in Berlin; the largest is a rally at 14:00 at the Brandenburg Gate, where organisers expect up to 10,000 participants. A second march is set to depart from Rosenthaler Platz in Mitte at 17:30, with 200 participants announced. Police are also anticipating further spontaneous gatherings. Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) stated that police would protect peaceful protesters while acting decisively against any violence, noting Berlin holds nearly 7,000 demonstrations a year and has the experience to handle the situation. Police President Barbara Slowik Meisel said there are currently no concrete indications of plans for looting, distinguishing Berlin's situation from the French unrest, and added that calls trying to import that unrest to Berlin's streets are not yet generating significant mobilisation. Both officials noted that students have so far shown measured and sensible behaviour, recognising attempts to exploit them. Officers will remain on the streets well into the night, with additional resources concentrated on areas historically prone to pyrotechnic incidents on Halloween, including the High-Deck-Siedlung and Gropiusstadt estates in Neukölln, Pallasstraße in Schöneberg, and districts in Moabit.