Gen Z Protests Turn Violent in Germany, Looting Reported in Frankfurt
Tens of thousands participated in demonstrations nationwide demanding better education and lower living costs, but clashes erupted in some cities.
Hooded rioters looted stores in Frankfurt late Saturday after tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Germany's major cities, calling for improved education and reduced living expenses. The protests, organized by the campaign group "Gen Z regelt" (Gen Z takes charge), occurred in 34 cities and were part of a broader wave of Gen Z-led activism seen across Europe.
In Frankfurt, Germany's financial center, at least two stores were looted, and several others were damaged, according to reports. Police urged bystanders to avoid or leave the city center due to ongoing disturbances, including the throwing of Molotov cocktails at emergency services. "Violent disturbances are continuing," Frankfurt police stated on X, formerly Twitter. "In the city center, windows have been smashed at several shops."
Authorities reported that Saturday's demonstrations, which coincided with Halloween festivities, were largely peaceful overall. However, warnings were issued about attempts by extremist groups to infiltrate the movement. In Hamburg, some barricades were set on fire.
"We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion," said Lina Friedrich, a spokesperson for Gen Z regelt, at a rally in Berlin. "What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favor of a fairer distribution of the burden."
Organizers aim to address what they perceive as increasing pressure on younger generations in Europe's largest economy. "The government has offered no response to our concerns other than to continue making cuts and piling further burdens upon us," stated Steve, an 18-year-old participant planning to speak at a rally in Munich. "We will continue to exercise our fundamental right to assemble until you stop ignoring us."
Concerns over potential unrest led some businesses in German cities, including along Berlin's Kurfuerstendamm shopping boulevard, to board up windows and schedule early closures.
Germany has been facing challenges in reviving economic growth, with increasing pressure on pensions and public services due to an aging population. The national school student umbrella organization, BSK, has distanced itself from the Gen Z regelt initiative, announcing its own separate protest day for November 20.
Demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with the state of public services, with one student from the Technical University of Berlin describing campus buildings as looking like an "abandoned building."