In around 90 cities, school students went on strike and took to the streets. SAV (ISA in Germany) was present at and in some cities helped build these rallies. Students’ message: You don’t care about us, schools are falling into disrepair, the planet is burning, we can no longer afford many things, our future is at risk, and now we are supposed to be ready to go to war?
The mobilization had gained momentum in recent weeks. In many cities, far more people than originally expected attended the rallies, including a large number of young students. In Hamburg, 5,000 took to the streets.
The authorities tried to crack down: In Rostock, the police refused to register a rally during school hours and demanded that the students prove that they were “exempt” from class — even though it is their right to leave class and bear the consequences at school. In Düsseldorf and other cities, students were threatened with expulsion. In Cologne, students reported that their posters were torn down by teachers.
The authorities tried to feign understanding. On the eve of the school strike, Minister of Defense Pistorius released a video message: “The very fact that you are taking to the streets shows what is possible in our great country (…) if you want to live in the future (…) just as you do today (…) then you must also be willing to stand up for it.”
Good Start – Now Keep Up the Fight
But all this was to no avail. Young people have shown that they are not impressed by the scaremongering that Germany must rearm. They are fighting for their interests for a life without war and militarism. The speeches made it clear that this is not just about conscription. Speakers addressed the fact that rearmament leads to massive social cuts, especially at the expense of young people, and made it clear that preparations for war serve corporations and the rich. They explained that wars are not waged for democracy, but to secure profits and ruling class interests.
The school strike was a really good start in the fight against militarization. However, the new military service law was passed by the Bundestag (German parliament) on the same day. Now it is important to continue the fight. Committees against conscription should be set up in all schools to prepare students for the expected wave of propaganda and the Bundeswehr’s visit offensive, as well as to plan the next actions. Preparations must be made for dealing with the questionnaires and draft notices. Those affected should not have to deal with this individually; an organized, collective response is necessary.
The next school strike has been announced for March 5. It is possible and necessary to make it bigger after the success of December 5. The left and the unions must provide organizational and financial resources to support the school strikes. The GEW (Education and Science Union) should mobilize teachers to support the students. The SDS and other left-wing university groups should organize strikes at universities on March 5. The protest against conscription should be linked to demands for better facilities and equipment for schools and universities and against education cuts.
On December 5, young people moved to the forefront of the struggle against militarism and sent a strong signal. Italian and Greek workers went on strike against the genocide in Gaza, showing what is possible and necessary. The ruling class is serious about its preparations for war. An international, anti-militarist mass movement of the working class can stop this with strikes.
