Berlin: Tens of thousands of young people took to the streets across Germany on Saturday, October 31, demanding better education, affordable living conditions, social justice and a greater say in decisions affecting their future. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, violent incidents involving other groups were reported in several cities later in the day.
The nationwide protests, organised by the youth campaign group Gen Z regelt, took place in more than 30 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne. The organisers estimated that around 120,000 people participated, although the turnout was below their initial expectation of more than 182,000.
The most serious disturbances were reported in Frankfurt, where groups of masked individuals attacked shops, damaged buildings and clashed with police. Several businesses in the city centre were looted, while police used water cannon and pepper spray to control the situation. Police also reported that Molotov cocktails had been thrown at emergency services.
The shopping street Zeil was among the affected locations. Police carried out several arrests following the disturbances. Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck later reported that 54 people had been arrested. He also said that more than 100 police officers were injured, including one officer who suffered serious injuries after being struck by a stone.
Violence was also reported in Hamburg, where groups threw bottles, fireworks and paving stones at police officers. Some individuals attempted to build and set fire to barricades in the St Georg district, near the city's central bus station. Police took around 120 people into custody following the disturbances. Twelve police officers were injured, according to police.
In Cologne, disturbances were reported around the cathedral and central railway station. Police said individuals and groups damaged buildings and police vehicles, attacked officers and set off fireworks.
In Berlin, around 5,000 people gathered near the Brandenburg Gate, according to police, while organisers estimated the attendance at 10,000. Separately, police reported disturbances involving another group at Rosenthaler Platz. The incidents were not necessarily connected to the main Gen Z regelt demonstration.
In Munich, the main demonstration was largely peaceful, with only isolated disturbances reported.
Despite the violence in some locations, the main demonstrations remained largely peaceful during the day. The organisers also distanced themselves from the violent incidents, saying they had no control over what happened after the official gatherings ended.
The protests brought together young people concerned about several issues affecting their lives. Their demands included increased funding for schools, better access to mental health services, measures to address rising living costs, stronger climate protection and a fairer distribution of economic responsibilities between generations.
Opposition to Germany's new military service arrangements was another major reason for the demonstrations. Many young protesters fear that the government's efforts to increase the number of military personnel could eventually lead to the return of compulsory military service.
Germany introduced a new military service framework on January 1, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen its armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr. Under the current arrangements, military service remains voluntary. However, 18 year old men are required to complete a questionnaire about their willingness and suitability to serve, while participation is voluntary for women.
Compulsory medical assessments for men born in 2008 or later are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2027. The government has said that the changes are intended to increase military recruitment and strengthen the country's defence capabilities.
If voluntary recruitment proves insufficient, the government could seek further legislation from parliament to introduce compulsory military service. This possibility has raised concerns among young people who fear that voluntary participation could eventually give way to mandatory service.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the violence following the disturbances and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. He also praised the police response.
The demonstrations have attracted attention because of the wider European youth protest movement. Similar demonstrations in France and Italy have reflected concerns about economic pressures, education, public services and the lack of attention given to younger generations by political leaders.
The organisers of Gen Z regelt have described the demonstrations as an important step in bringing young people's concerns into the national debate. The campaign has announced plans for further activities at schools and universities between November 2 and 6.
The group has also expressed its intention to participate in an International Youth Strike on November 20, as young people continue to call for greater attention to their concerns and future opportunities.
The German demonstrations have highlighted growing concerns among younger generations about economic security, education and military obligations. At the same time, the violence in several cities has raised questions about public safety and the need to distinguish peaceful demonstrations from criminal activity.