German Police Disperse Anti-Militarization Protest as Chancellor Pushes for Defense Expansion
Activists in Cologne rallied against Berlin’s plans to boost defense spending and aid for Ukraine and Israel, leading to clashes with police. The demonstration, organized by the anti-war group Disarm Rheinmetall, initially remained peaceful but escalated into violence as protestors used smoke bombs and other devices, prompting police intervention. The event, which reportedly attracted nearly 3,000 participants, featured banners reading “lay down your arms” and “We won’t die in your wars.” Demonstrators criticized the government for channeling funds into the arms industry rather than social needs and education.
According to reports, the march was repeatedly halted after police reported seeing protesters masking themselves and setting off smoke bombs. Police also intercepted an escort vehicle carrying pyrotechnics, methylated spirits, and gas cylinders. The force was eventually forced to disperse the crowd after some demonstrators attacked officers, resulting in injuries and detentions, though exact figures were not disclosed.
Footage from the scene showed police using fists, batons, and tear gas, with several activists visibly injured. A spokesperson for the demonstrators accused the police of aggression, stating that between 40 and 60 people were injured. The incident also featured a Twitter post from young world, which reported an injury to a protester from a police strike.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspended borrowing limits to ramp up defense spending, pledging to raise it to 3.5% of GDP by 2029. He also announced plans to expand the Bundeswehr from about 182,000 to 240,000 active troops by 2031, and introduced mandatory registration for 18-year-olds to prepare for a potential return to conscription. He has further suggested that German troops could be deployed to Ukraine as part of a European peacekeeping force, despite Russia’s rejection of any Western troop presence in Ukraine under any guise.
These developments underscore the growing tensions between Germany’s military expansion plans and domestic anti-war sentiment. The protest in Cologne reflects broader concerns about the implications of increased militarization, including its impact on national security, budget allocation, and international relations. As Chancellor Merz continues to push for these measures, the debate over Germany’s role in global conflicts remains a pressing issue for the country’s political and social landscape.