Violence Erupts at German Youth Protests

Thousands of young people rallied in about 34 German cities on October 31 under the “Gen Z regelt” movement, calling for lower living costs, better-funded education and an end to compulsory military service. Organizers had expected about 182,000 participants and reported roughly 36,000, while police counted about 6,000 across Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich; estimates for Berlin also varied. Most demonstrations were calm during the day, but violence broke out in several cities after dark, including Frankfurt, Cologne and Hamburg, where protesters threw objects at police and emergency workers. Police used water cannon and pepper spray, several officers were injured, authorities reported arrests, and officials ended the Frankfurt demonstration after attacks on officers. Authorities had warned that extremist groups might exploit the rallies.