Riots and looting overshadow nationwide protests in Germany | DW News

Demonstrations and demands

Tens of thousands of young people joined demonstrations across Germany under the banner “Gen Z regelt” (“Gen Z takes charge”). They called for more investment in education and social security, and greater attention to young people’s concerns.

Their grievances included rising living costs, inequality, climate change, fears about AI and jobs, opposition to mandatory military service, and concerns about expanding surveillance.

Violence and police response

Most demonstrations were peaceful, but violence followed in several cities. In Frankfurt, rioters looted shops, attacked a weapons store, and threw stones, fireworks, and firebombs at police. Police closed off part of the city centre; about 100 people were identified and around 30 were taken into custody.

Similar disturbances occurred in Cologne and Hamburg. In Berlin, police shut down a separate protest after clashes began. Authorities and politicians blamed masked left-wing extremists for much of the violence. Organizers said a small minority was responsible and should not define the wider movement.

DW correspondent Julia Sardelli said police had anticipated possible unrest and brought water cannons and armoured vehicles. However, she noted that controlling crowds can be difficult when individuals turn violent. She also said that political responses focused heavily on condemning the disorder, risking the protests’ underlying message being overshadowed.

Size and outlook

Organizers estimated that about 100,000 people demonstrated in 30 cities, although turnout in some places was below registration estimates and smaller than at major protests in countries such as France and Italy.

Sardelli said the movement was still new in Germany and could grow. Another Europe-wide protest was planned for November 20. She compared its current scale with the Fridays for Future movement, which had not yet reached its peak level of participation and attention.

Presenters and contributors

• Gard — presenter, as rendered in the subtitles
• Julia Sardelli — DW politics correspondent