Gen Z protests lead to looting and violence in Germany
Demonstrations over education funding and military service saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets in 34 cities.
Tens of thousands of people participated in protests across 34 German cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, on Saturday night, according to India Today. The demonstrations, organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt, focused on rising living costs, education funding and opposition to compulsory military service.
In Frankfurt, the unrest turned violent as hooded demonstrators looted at least two stores and damaged several others. Frankfurt police reported that windows were smashed at various shops and Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency services in the city centre.
In Hamburg, some barricades were set on fire during the rallies. While German authorities stated most demonstrations were peaceful, they warned that extremist groups might attempt to use the gatherings for their own purposes.
Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said at a Berlin rally that the group is fighting for peace and better support for healthcare and education systems. An 18-year-old named Steve, who was due to speak in Munich, told Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the government has offered no response to their concerns.
Hesse state interior minister Roman Poseck warned against the unrest seen in France, noting that France should not be a model for such activities. Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin estimated the combined turnout at approximately 18,000 people.