THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PROTEST AGAINST ARMAMENT AND THE RETURN OF MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE

BERLIN, OCTOBER 3 /SRNA/ - Several thousand people took part in demonstrations in Berlin and Stuttgart, protesting against the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service and the rearmament of Germany.

Police estimated that around 5,800 people gathered in Berlin.

Demonstrators marched from the Brandenburg Gate through central Berlin.

Many participants carried blue flags featuring a dove of peace, and various slogans could be heard, including "Create peace without weapons," along with calls for dialogue with Russia.

Some participants also carried Russian flags.

In Stuttgart, organizers estimated that around 15,000 people took part. The rallies were held under the slogan: "No to arms buildup, conscription and war!"

Participants called on the German Government to lift all sanctions and halt arms deliveries, including those to Ukraine, and instead increase social spending.

The protests were organized by various civic groups and political associations, including the Left Party and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance for Reason and Justice.

Germany is celebrating 36 years since reunification today, known as German Unity Day, which is a national holiday.

The five states of the former German Democratic Republic — Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia — joined the Federal Republic of Germany on October 3, 1990.

This year’s main celebrations are being held in Bremen.