Shops looted in Frankfurt as Gen Z protests turn violent in Germany
Clashes erupted in several German cities on Saturday as demonstrations against the cost of living and public spending cuts escalated into riots.
Shops were looted and vandalised in Frankfurt as clashes broke out between rioters and police on Saturday, October 31, according to BBC News. The violence occurred following demonstrations organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt to protest against the high cost of living, underfunding in schools, public spending cuts and compulsory military service.
In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows and targeted businesses along the Zeil shopping street and Hasengasse. Police reported that Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency services and a gun shop was attacked, leading to the seizure of two weapons. Authorities in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin reported as many as 18,000 protesters, while organisers had estimated higher numbers.
Violence was also reported in other major cities. In Berlin, a smaller evening demonstration resulted in 27 police officers being injured and up to 56 people being temporarily detained. In Cologne, officers were attacked near the main train station with bottles and a bicycle, while in Hamburg, 120 people were arrested after protesters set fire to barricades.
Hesse state Interior Minister Roman Poseck alleged that around 100 identified left-wing extremists had infiltrated the protest in Frankfurt. He described the conclusion of the protests as shameful. Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said the demonstrations were intended to fight for peace and freedom, seeking better support for health and education systems.