Gen Z Protests in Germany Turn Violent Across Cities

Protests over the cost of living in Germany turned violent on Saturday, 31 October, with shops looted in central Frankfurt and police officers injured in several cities.

The rallies were organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt, a name that means "Gen Z takes charge" in German. Reuters had reported that more than 160,000 people were expected to join Halloween rallies across the country. Thousands took part in demonstrations that were largely peaceful before violence broke out.

In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows and looted stores, and police sealed off a major shopping street in the city centre on Saturday night. Reuters reported that at least two stores were looted and several more damaged. DW also covered the closure of the shopping street.

German authorities said at least 54 people were arrested in Frankfurt. They also said more than 100 police officers were injured. Outbreaks of violence occurred in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg as well, according to BBC reporting.

CNN reported that the violence was most notable in Frankfurt and Cologne. German authorities blamed infiltrators for the violence, meaning people who joined the protests in order to cause disorder. Organisers had called for the demonstrations to remain peaceful.