Interior Minister Warns of Violence Hidden Behind Halloween Masks at October 31 Protests

Brandenburg's Interior Minister Jan Redmann (CDU) issued a sharp warning on Monday, saying October 31 was deliberately chosen for the "Gen Z steht auf" protest wave because Halloween provides ready-made disguises. Speaking to the dpa in Potsdam, he said calls for the day came especially from far-left circles and that in previous years people had exploited the festive atmosphere to commit assault and property damage "under the protection of the masquerade." Redmann described the date as a calculated attempt to "deliberately let things spiral out of control" and said it represented a targeted effort to bring conditions like those seen in France to Germany.

France had been hit by widespread demonstrations against high living costs and poor education funding, accompanied by serious unrest, arson and looting over the weekend. Redmann said authorities would do everything to ensure "these images do not repeat themselves in Germany," adding that police at federal and state level are prepared. Brandenburg police are offering support primarily to Berlin, while Redmann noted that Potsdam's city centre would also be closely watched.

The "Gen Z steht auf" initiative has called for protests in numerous German cities on October 31, citing concerns over education, affordable living and opposition to conscription. Co-organiser Akram Selo told dpa: "We clearly distance ourselves from any form of violence."