Violent clashes and looting erupted in several German cities on Saturday night following youth-led demonstrations against the rising cost of living, underfunded public services and proposed military service.
According to BBC, in Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub, rioters smashed shop windows, looted businesses and attacked emergency workers using fireworks, stones and bottles. Police deployed water cannon to disperse crowds, while several arrests were made.
Similar incidents were reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg, although thousands of people had earlier participated in largely peaceful demonstrations organised by campaign group Gen Z regelt, meaning “Gen Z takes charge”.
The protesters demanded increased investment in education and healthcare, opposed public spending cuts and compulsory military service, and called for a fairer distribution of the country’s financial burden.
Organisers estimated that tens of thousands participated, while authorities in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin reported up to 18,000 demonstrators.
Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck said approximately 100 suspected left-wing extremists had infiltrated the Frankfurt demonstration. He condemned the destruction of property and attacks on police officers.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called for harsh punishments against those involved in the violence, saying police had prevented scenes similar to recent unrest in France.
Police said the situation had calmed by Sunday morning, although parts of Frankfurt’s main shopping street remained closed overnight.
