Youth-led protests disrupt German cities, resulting in looting

The demonstrations, organized by the group Gen Z Regelt, took place in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. The group advocates against mandatory military service and for increased investment in education, citing financial struggles among young Germans.

In Frankfurt, a financial hub, at least two stores were looted as the protests turned violent, with others sustaining damage. Police are attempting to regain control of the situation. “Violent disturbances are continuing,” Frankfurt police stated on X. “In the city centre, windows have been smashed at several shops. Molotov cocktails are also being thrown at the emergency services. We urge all bystanders to avoid the city centre or to leave the area.”

While organizers initially anticipated 182,000 participants, official counts suggest a lower turnout, with police in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin reporting approximately 18,000 protesters. Authorities have noted the demonstrations, coinciding with Halloween celebrations, have been mostly peaceful but expressed concern about extremist groups attempting to exploit the movement. Barricades were set ablaze in Hamburg.

“We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion,” said Gen Z Regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich in Berlin. “What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favour of a fairer distribution of the burden.”

Concerns over potential unrest led some businesses to board up windows and plan early closures, including along Berlin’s Kurfuerstendamm shopping boulevard. Roman Poseck, interior minister for the state of Hesse, warned against emulating the violence seen in France. “France must not be held up as a model in this regard.”

Organizers highlight the pressures faced by younger generations in Germany’s largest economy. Steve, an 18-year-old scheduled to speak at a rally in Munich, addressed Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating, “The government has offered no response to our concerns other than to continue making cuts and piling further burdens upon us. We will continue to exercise our fundamental right to assemble until you stop ignoring us.”

Germany’s federal interior ministry suggests involvement from far-left groups and those linked to foreign extremist movements. Questions have been raised regarding the true leadership of the campaign, given the diverse range of groups involved. The national school student umbrella organization, BSK, is holding a separate protest on November 20th. Student Sean Baker, from the Technical University of Berlin, plans to participate to highlight the poor condition of campus buildings, stating, “When you go inside and enter the rooms, it looks like an abandoned building.”