After largely peaceful protests across Germany, rioters loot stores in Frankfurt as demonstrations turn violent

Rallies across German cities

Demonstrations took place in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. Participants demanded improved education and lower living costs, with organisers highlighting pressure on younger generations. Official figures on Saturday afternoon indicated turnout was below the 182,000 participants organisers had initially anticipated. Authorities said the demonstrations, which coincided with Halloween festivities, were largely peaceful.

Looting reported in Frankfurt

At least two stores were looted in Frankfurt, according to a Reuters witness, after tens of thousands of demonstrators had gathered in Germany’s largest cities. The looting happened late on Saturday as protests turned violent.

Some businesses in German cities had boarded up windows and planned to close early because of concerns about possible unrest. Roman Poseck, Hesse’s interior minister, said people had images of looting and attacks on police in France in mind.

Calls for support and change

Lina Friedrich, a spokesperson for Gen Z regelt, said the group sought peace and freedom rather than war and coercion. She called for stronger support for health and education systems, opposed compulsory military service and backed a fairer sharing of the burden.

Organisers said they would keep exercising their right to assemble until their concerns were no longer ignored. Germany’s national school student umbrella organisation, BSK, has distanced itself from the initiative.

Wider concerns for young people

Student-led activism in Serbia helped remove the country’s longtime leader through the ballot box. In Germany, protesters focused on pressures facing younger generations in Europe’s largest economy.