German law enforcement disband demonstration against militarization

(MENAFN) A protest against Germany’s increasing militarization turned violent in Cologne on Saturday when demonstrators clashed with police. The rally, organized by the anti-war group Disarm Rheinmetall, drew nearly 3,000 participants and was initially peaceful before tensions escalated. Protesters opposed Berlin’s growing defense budget, plans to reintroduce conscription, and military aid to Ukraine and Israel.

The group has staged several protests throughout the week, including blocking a German military facility and demonstrating outside the home of Rheinmetall’s CEO, Armin Papperger. Saturday’s march featured banners with slogans like “Lay down your arms” and “We won’t die in your wars.” Some protesters accused the government of prioritizing military spending over education and social programs, and warned that NATO’s involvement in Ukraine was pushing the world toward a broader conflict.

Local authorities said the protest was repeatedly interrupted after participants were seen wearing masks and setting off smoke bombs. Police also stopped a support vehicle allegedly carrying hazardous items like pyrotechnics, methylated spirits, and gas canisters. Officers claimed they were forced to break up the protest after being attacked by some demonstrators.

Footage shared online showed police using batons, tear gas, and physical force. Several protesters appeared injured, and an unspecified number were detained. Protest organizers accused the police of initiating violence and claimed that between 40 and 60 people were hurt.

The protest comes amid Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s aggressive push to strengthen Germany’s military. His government has lifted borrowing restrictions to increase defense spending, aiming to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2029. Plans are also underway to grow the Bundeswehr from 182,000 to 240,000 troops by 2031, with 18-year-olds now required to register for potential military service. Merz has even floated the idea of German troops joining a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, despite Russian opposition to any Western military presence there.

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