Rioters smash and loot storefronts amid Germany cost of living protests
Violence in several cities
In Frankfurt, masked protesters threw stones, fireworks and pepper bombs, police said. Some rioters also broke into storefronts and took goods late Saturday. Tensions rose in the evening when some groups would not disperse. Clashes and violence were reported in major cities including Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg.
Police respond in Hamburg
In Hamburg, protesters fired pyrotechnics toward police and set barricades alight. Officers used water cannons and tear gas to break up the crowds.
Young people call for investment
Earlier Saturday, demonstrations had been largely peaceful. Young protesters gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to seek more investment in education and housing. High school student Lara Breitenbach said young people wanted greater spending on social services, education and climate protection. She said problems at her school included water damage, too few teachers and broken toilets.
Key points
- Masked rioters smashed storefronts and looted goods in Frankfurt late Saturday.
- Clashes were reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg after some protesters refused to disperse.
- Hamburg police used water cannons and tear gas as protesters fired pyrotechnics and burned barricades.
- Earlier, young demonstrators in Berlin called for more investment in education and housing.