BERLIN: Youth-led protests that began in France spread to Germany on Saturday, when thousands of Gen Z demonstrators rallied in about 34 cities. The protesters were responding to a call by a group named “Gen Z Revolt.” Marches that were peaceful during the day turned violent in several cities after dark.
Protesters are demanding higher spending on education and health care, relief from the rising cost of living and a fairer distribution of wealth. They also want an end to cuts in public-service funding and the scrapping of compulsory military service. Students said many universities lack proper infrastructure, forcing them to study in dilapidated buildings.
The worst disorder was in Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital. Masked individuals smashed shop windows on the main shopping street and looted stores. A gun shop was also targeted and firearms were taken. Police arrested one person and recovered two guns. The shopping street was sealed off, and several people were detained, among them a protester dressed as Batman.
In Hamburg, groups dressed in black set barricades on fire and threw petrol bombs, fireworks and stones at police. In Berlin, officers used water cannon and pepper spray to disperse crowds. Tension was also reported in Cologne. In all, 27 police officers were injured and 56 protesters were detained. Authorities in the state of Hesse said about 100 left-wing extremists took part in the violence.
Lena, a Gen Z leader, said the movement stands for peace and freedom and that violence is not its approach. Interior Minister Alexander strongly condemned the clashes and warned of strict action against those involved in looting and attacks. The unrest follows similar youth protests in France, Italy and Serbia, and the movement is spreading across Europe.