German Youth Protests Turn Violent

Tens of thousands of people joined youth-led demonstrations in more than 30 German cities on October 31, calling for lower living costs, greater investment in education and public services, stronger climate action, and an end to compulsory military service. Daytime rallies were largely peaceful, but violence broke out after dark in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin and other cities, where masked groups looted shops, set barricades alight and attacked police and emergency workers with stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails. In Frankfurt, a gun shop was targeted; police said two stolen firearms were recovered and a suspect was arrested, and officers used water cannon and pepper spray to disperse crowds. Authorities reported numerous arrests and injuries, including among police, though figures varied by city and report. Organizers of the Gen Z regelt movement condemned the violence and said it was separate from the main demonstrations, while officials said extremist groups had exploited the unrest.