Frankfurt clashes erupt as shops looted in German cost of living protests turn violent

Demonstrations across German cities

The campaign group Gen Z regelt organised Saturday’s demonstrations, whose demands included better school funding, lower living costs, opposition to public spending cuts and resistance to military service. The group’s name means “Gen Z takes charge.” Authorities in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin reported as many as 18,000 protesters. That was roughly half the figure organisers had estimated on their website, while German media reported that tens of thousands demonstrated in cities across the country. One protester said the movement wanted stronger health and education systems, opposed compulsory military service and supported sharing the burden more fairly.

Clashes in central Frankfurt

Frankfurt police said on X that violent riots were taking place in the city centre. Police reported smashed windows at several shops and said molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency services.

Roman Poseck, Hesse’s interior minister, said around 100 people he identified as left-wing extremists had infiltrated the protest. He described the way the demonstrations ended as shameful.

Protests beyond Germany

The German demonstrations coincided with large protests in other European countries. In France, thousands of police officers were deployed, and officers used tear gas against demonstrators in some cities.

In Portugal, police cleared a new tent camp set up after thousands marched against a rental bill. Protesters argued the bill could worsen the housing crisis, as house prices in the country have more than doubled over the past decade.

Shared concerns across Europe

In Germany, the day’s demonstrations were largely peaceful before violence broke out in Frankfurt. The reported protest numbers also differed: local authorities cited up to 18,000, while German media described participation across the country as tens of thousands.