Germany’s Gen Z Protests Turn Violent as Rioters Loot Frankfurt Shops

Youth-led Gen Z protests across Germany turned violent late on Saturday, 31 October, as masked rioters looted shops in Frankfurt’s city centre and threw petrol bombs at emergency workers. Most of the day’s marches had passed off peacefully.

The campaign group Gen Z regelt organised rallies in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. Police put turnout in those three cities at up to 18,000, while organisers claimed about twice that number. Marchers called for lower living costs, more money for schools and public services, and an end to plans they fear could bring back compulsory military service.

In Frankfurt, hooded groups broke into stores on and around the Zeil, the city’s main shopping street, including a shoe shop and a gun shop. Police said Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency services. Officers used water cannon, sealed off large parts of the centre and recovered two weapons taken from the gun shop. Several officers were hurt. Police also clashed with crowds in Hamburg.

Roman Poseck, interior minister of Hesse state, blamed left-wing extremists for joining the Frankfurt unrest. The organisers said the Gen Z protests were meant to stay peaceful and distanced themselves from the violence. Germany’s national school student body has also kept away from the campaign and plans its own protest on 20 November.

The German rallies follow similar youth-led Gen Z protests elsewhere in Europe, including in France, where demonstrations in recent weeks have spilled into rioting and looting.

Source: Reuters, AFP