Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Munich, Germany, over the weekend to voice their opposition to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, emphasizing the urgent need for peace between Moscow and Kiev, as well as in the Israeli-Palestinian arena. Organized by the ver.di trade union, the demonstration was marked by the rallying cry, “You will not prepare me for war,” capturing the sentiments of many who feel that the German government should redirect its focus from military support to social welfare. Protesters waved Palestinian and Lebanese flags and carried placards proclaiming messages like “Stop the genocide in Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” Notably, some demonstrators specifically criticized the German government’s arms shipments to Ukraine, highlighting the risks associated with supplying long-range Taurus missiles, which Kiev has been demanding as a means to counter Russian aggression.
The conflict in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s military actions against Gaza and Lebanon, formed a significant part of the protest’s narrative. Claudia Weber, managing director of ver.di Munich, addressed the crowd, declaring the ongoing violence as “unacceptable.” She emphasized the need for a ceasefire among all warring parties, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Israel, urging a halt to attacks on civilians. The demonstration reflected a broader sentiment that military actions only exacerbate humanitarian crises, urging the government instead to prioritize diplomatic solutions and peaceful negotiations.
Another key voice at the rally was Walter Listl from the Munich Peace Alliance, who echoed the call for peace while advocating for immediate negotiations concerning both Ukraine and the Middle East. The demonstrators expressed a deep-seated desire for a commitment to peace rather than an escalation of conflict. This reflects a growing concern among citizens regarding Germany’s increasing military spending and the role it plays in international conflicts, especially with respect to arms exports and the lingering implications of militarization in foreign policy.
Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine has been a contentious issue, with the government committing €28 billion in aid, significantly increasing its military exports, particularly in 2023 when arms exports to Israel surged to €326.5 million. In September, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s position as a leading military supporter of Ukraine, pledging an additional €1.4 billion in aid during a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Scholz acknowledged the crucial role that continued military support plays for Ukraine, positioning Germany as a stalwart ally in the fight against Russian advances, despite concerns from segments of the public and political spectrum at home.
The demonstrators also highlighted the shifting landscape of Germany’s military policies, with a noted decrease in arms exports to Israel in 2024, plummeting from the previous year’s figures. Many protestors urged the government to reconsider its stance, arguing that the funds allocated for military assistance could be better utilized to address pressing social needs within Germany. This creates a palpable tension between military commitments abroad and the demands of citizens who seek social justice and humanitarian support domestically.
The overarching sentiment among the protesters was poignant: a call for peace over war, urging a significant reevaluation of Germany’s foreign policy and military involvement in ongoing conflicts. With Russia and Ukraine locked in a protracted struggle, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict seeing escalating violence, the calls for ceasefire and diplomacy resonated deeply, reflecting the desires of many Germans who advocate for solutions that prioritize human rights and social welfare over military escalation. The Munich demonstration stands as a testament to the growing discontent with militarization and a fervent plea for peace in turbulent times.