Gen Z protests in 34 German cities turn violent as Frankfurt shops looted

Thousands of young people across Germany took to the streets on Saturday, 31 October, asking for cheaper living, better schools and a rethink of government policy. The protests, put together by a campaign group called "Gen Z regelt" (Gen Z takes charge), held in 34 cities including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.

Most of the day passed peacefully. Trouble started in Frankfurt in the evening, when shops were broken into and emergency workers were attacked, according to police and local media.

What happened in Frankfurt

Police said windows along the Zeil, the city's main shopping street, were smashed, and that petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown at emergency crews. Businesses on nearby Hasengasse were also hit. Among the premises attacked were a shoe shop and a gun store, where officers said they recovered two weapons.

Officers used water cannon and brought in specialist units as clashes carried on in the city centre. Several officers were hurt. It was not immediately clear how many civilians were injured. Police said more than 30 people were detained.

The Frankfurt march had drawn about 8,000 people by police count, while organisers put the figure at 10,000. Authorities stopped the rally at about 6.20 pm after fireworks went off and stones were thrown at officers. Confrontations continued afterwards, and police sealed off parts of the centre, including the Hauptwache and Konstablerwache areas.

Across Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin, police counted roughly 18,000 demonstrators. Organisers gave a higher figure of about 36,000 for the same cities.

What the protesters want

The campaign is asking for more money in education, stronger public services, lower living costs and no compulsory military service. Protesters also spoke about spending cuts and what they see as a growing financial burden on younger people.

In Berlin, campaign spokesperson Lina Friedrich said the movement wants better health and education services and a fairer sharing of responsibilities.

Organisers said the violence was not their doing and that the protests were meant to stay peaceful. German authorities warned that extremist groups could use the gatherings. Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck alleged that left-wing extremists joined the Frankfurt unrest. State Premier Boris Rhein condemned the violence and said there would be consequences.

Germany's national school student umbrella organisation said it was keeping its distance from the campaign over concerns about how it is organised, and plans its own protest on 20 November.

What happens next: The student group's separate demonstration is set for 20 November, and Rhein has said the Frankfurt violence will have consequences.