Germany: Thousands protest for better education, lower housing costs and against mandatory military service; Frankfurt riots turn violent

BERLIN/FRANKFURT — Thousands of young people joined demonstrations in 34 German cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich, demanding better-funded education, lower living and housing costs, social justice, and an end to plans for compulsory military service. The rallies, organized by the “Gen Z regelt” movement, were largely peaceful during the day.
Violence erupted in Frankfurt late on Saturday, where masked rioters smashed shop windows, looted at least two stores, and threw stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at police and emergency personnel. Police used water cannons, sealed off Frankfurt’s main Zeil shopping street, and urged people to leave the city centre.
Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck later said 17 shops were damaged and five looted; more than 1,300 police officers were deployed, over 100 were injured, and 54 people aged 13–29 were arrested. Authorities said extremist groups exploited the peaceful protests, while the organizers distanced themselves from the rioting and looting.
Demonstrators say younger generations face mounting pressure from housing, education, health and public-service costs, while the government moves toward reintroducing conscription. The movement has called for further protests on November 14.