Tens of thousands of young Germans took to the streets in more than 30 cities on Saturday in demonstrations organised under the name Gen Z regelt, meaning Gen Z takes charge, over the cost of living, education funding, public spending cuts and military conscription. Most daytime rallies were peaceful, but the day ended in clashes, looting and more than 200 arrests.

Organisers said about 120,000 people took part nationwide. Authorities counted as many as 18,000 demonstrators in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin, roughly half the organisers’ estimate for them.

Frankfurt hit hardest

The worst violence was in Frankfurt, where police reported violent riots in the city centre. Masked groups smashed the windows of 17 shops and looted at least five. The windows of a gun shop were smashed, a suspect was arrested and two weapons were seized. Police deployed 1,300 officers; more than 100 were injured and 54 people aged 13 to 29 were arrested.

Clashes in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne

In Berlin, up to 56 people were detained and 27 officers were injured, after a second demonstration was stopped early. In Hamburg, about 120 people were taken into custody after protesters erected burning barricades near the central bus station. Clashes were also reported in Cologne.

Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck said around 100 identified left-wing extremists had infiltrated the Frankfurt demonstration, a claim the organisers dispute. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt promised severe punishment for the violence. The organisers distanced themselves from the violence and said further demonstrations were planned, in solidarity with youth-led protests in France, where more than 320,000 demonstrated and over 500 arrests were reported.

Sources: BBC via Energy Radio, 2 November 2026; The Berliner, 2 November 2026; German police and state authorities as reported therein.