Gen Z protests over the cost of living turned violent in Germany on Saturday, with rioters looting shops in central Frankfurt and clashing with police in several cities. The protests, organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt, had been largely peaceful during the day, but as night fell, violence erupted. Police reported that they used water cannons to disperse protesters who targeted emergency workers with fireworks, stones and bottles.
The protests in Germany were part of a wave of demonstrations across Europe, with thousands of people taking to the streets in France, Italy, Portugal and other countries. In France, more than 320,000 people demonstrated on Saturday, demanding action on the high cost of living and poor public services. The protests were largely peaceful, but there were clashes between police and demonstrators in some cities, with over 500 arrests made.
In Germany, police reported that around 18,000 protesters took part in demonstrations in cities including Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. The protests were organised by Gen Z regelt, a campaign group that is calling for better support for the health and education systems, an end to compulsory military service and a fairer distribution of the burden. Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said that the demonstrations were "to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion".
The violence in Frankfurt was condemned by Roman Poseck, interior minister of Hesse state, who said that "around 100 clearly identified left-wing extremists" had infiltrated the protest in the city. He added that it was "shameful" how the protests had ended. Poseck also expressed concern that the protests in Germany had been inspired by similar demonstrations in France, which have been marked by looting, burning houses and attacks on police officers.
In addition to Germany and France, protests also took place in Italy, with some clashes between police and demonstrators in Rome and Turin. In Portugal, police moved to clear a new tent camp assembled after thousands marched to protest against a rental bill that they argue could worsen a housing crisis in the country. The protests in Europe have been driven by concerns about the cost of living, access to housing and the quality of education.
The protests have been marked by a high level of organisation, with thousands of police officers deployed across France and other countries to deal with the demonstrations. In some cities, police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, and there have been reports of arrests and injuries. Despite the violence, the protests have also been marked by a sense of determination and frustration among young people.
The wave of protests across Europe is a sign of growing discontent among young people about the cost of living, public services and social issues. The protests have been driven by a range of concerns, including access to housing, education and healthcare, and have been marked by a high level of organisation and determination. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how governments will respond to the demands of the protesters.
Key points
- - Gen Z protests over the cost of living turned violent in Germany on Saturday, with rioters looting shops in central Frankfurt and clashing with police in several cities. - The protests were part of a wave of demonstrations across Europe, with thousands of people taking to the streets in France, Italy, Portugal and other countries. - The protests have been driven by concerns about the cost of living, access to housing and the quality of education.
