Germany rocked by Gen Z protests over rising costs, education funding and military service

BERLIN: A wave of youth-led Gen Z protests has swept across Germany, with demonstrations in more than 30 cities turning violent in several locations. What began as largely peaceful rallies against rising living costs, inadequate education funding and proposed compulsory military service descended into clashes, shop looting and attacks on police officers.

Organised by the youth campaign group ‘Gen Z regelt’, the demonstrations on October 31 attracted tens of thousands of participants in major cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich.

The protesters demanded greater investment in education and healthcare, improved public services, affordable living conditions and the withdrawal of proposals for compulsory military service. They also expressed concerns over government spending priorities and cuts affecting essential public services.

Although most demonstrations remained peaceful during the day, tensions escalated in the evening. Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub, witnessed some of the worst violence. Masked individuals smashed shop windows along major shopping streets and looted clothing and footwear stores. A firearms shop was also attacked.

Police reported that rioters threw Molotov cocktails, bottles and fireworks at security personnel. Several shops were damaged, prompting authorities to seal off parts of the city centre.

Police deployed tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons to disperse violent groups. More than 30 people were detained in Frankfurt, while around 120 were taken into custody in Hamburg following clashes. Barricades were set on fire in Hamburg, with officers also facing attacks involving bottles and stones.

The violence also resulted in significant injuries among law enforcement personnel. More than 100 police officers were reported injured in Frankfurt, according to local authorities.

Meanwhile, German authorities are investigating whether extremist groups infiltrated the demonstrations and contributed to the violence. Officials have stressed the need to distinguish between peaceful protesters and those responsible for criminal acts.

The organisers have also distanced their movement from the violence, insisting that the protests were intended to highlight genuine concerns about the future of Germany’s younger generation.