Frankfurt (Rajeev Sharma): Youth-led protests against the rising cost of living in Germany turned violent in Frankfurt, with reports of shop looting, fires and clashes with police. More than 100 police officers were injured and 54 people were taken into custody, according to DW News.
The demonstrations, held under the banner of “Gen Z regelt” (Gen Z takes charge), also saw disturbances in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne on Saturday.
According to Euronews, police used water cannons to extinguish fires amid the unrest in Frankfurt.
Why Are Gen Z Protesters Demonstrating Across Germany?
The protests have been organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt. Demonstrators have raised concerns over the rising cost of living and inflation, while also opposing compulsory military service and demanding greater investment in education, France 24 reported.
The demonstrations come amid wider youth-led protests across parts of Europe, with young people raising concerns about economic pressures, social inequality, educational opportunities and their future prospects.
German Leaders Condemn Violence During Protests
Hesse state premier Boris Rhein condemned the violence in Frankfurt and said those responsible would face consequences.
Roman Poseck, interior minister of Hesse, said an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 protesters had engaged in violence. He also claimed that many of those involved came from migrant backgrounds.
“An enormous potential for violence on the part of left-wing extremists and violence-prone young people, mostly from migrant backgrounds, has been unleashed,” Poseck said.
Cologne’s state Interior Minister Herbert Reul also blamed far-left groups for the violence. Condemning attacks on police officers and damage during the demonstrations, he said that people throwing stones and firecrackers at police and setting off fireworks had no political justification for their actions.
The remarks reflect the assessments of the state ministers; they do not establish the political affiliations or backgrounds of all those who participated in the protests.
German Interior Minister Briefed On Nationwide Demonstrations
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt was briefed on the protests at the situation centre of the Federal Ministry of the Interior on Saturday.
According to the ministry, Dobrindt thanked emergency personnel for their work as authorities dealt with disturbances across several cities.
Police deployments and the response to the unrest continued amid concerns over violence during the demonstrations.
