Berlin: Nationwide youth demonstrations across Germany turned violent in several cities on October 31, leaving more than 100 police officers injured in Frankfurt, shops damaged and hundreds of people detained in different locations. The protests, organised under the banner Gen Z regelt, attracted tens of thousands of participants across the country, although turnout was below the organisers' initial expectations.
Demonstrations were planned in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and Stuttgart. Young people gathered to demand better education, affordable living conditions, stronger public services and greater action on climate change. They also opposed the government's new military service arrangements, which they fear could eventually lead to compulsory recruitment.
Although most daytime demonstrations remained peaceful, violence broke out in several cities later in the day. Frankfurt experienced some of the most serious incidents, with groups attacking shops along the Zeil shopping street. Reports following the demonstrations said that 17 shops were damaged, including five that were looted.
More than 100 police officers were injured in Frankfurt, including one who suffered serious injuries. Police detained 54 people aged between 13 and 29 in connection with the disturbances. Officers were deployed in large numbers to restore order and investigate the attacks.
Hamburg also experienced serious unrest after the main demonstration had ended. Groups threw bottles, fireworks and paving stones at police officers, while barricades and rubbish containers were set on fire. Around 1,300 police officers were deployed to manage the situation. Approximately 120 people were temporarily detained, and 12 police officers were reported injured.
In Cologne, police ended the demonstration early following incidents involving fireworks and face coverings. Further clashes took place around Cologne Cathedral and the central railway station, where officers used water cannons to disperse disruptive groups. Several police officers were reported injured during the disturbances.
Berlin also witnessed demonstrations at several locations. Police estimated that around 5,000 people attended the rally near the Brandenburg Gate, while organisers put the figure at 10,000. A separate demonstration near Rosenthaler Platz attracted approximately 3,500 people, according to police estimates. Officers reported attacks involving bottles, eggs and fireworks. Almost 60 arrests were reported in connection with the disturbances in the city.
German political leaders strongly condemned the violence and called for those responsible to face legal consequences. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said authorities would identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable. He attributed the disturbances to violent left wing groups and troublemakers from migrant communities.
However, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to support the description of those involved as migrant groups. He noted that people with migrant backgrounds could also be German citizens. Pistorius agreed that those responsible for attacking police officers and damaging property should be punished.
In Hesse, where Frankfurt is located, Interior Minister Roman Poseck condemned the attacks and reported that more than 100 police officers had been injured. State Premier Boris Rhein also expressed shock at the violence and warned that those responsible would face consequences.
Despite the disturbances, the organisers of Gen Z regelt have rejected violence and maintained that their movement is focused on young people's concerns about their future. The campaign has called for improvements in schools, better healthcare, affordable housing, social security and stronger climate protection measures. It also argues that younger generations should not carry an unfair share of economic and social responsibilities.
Opposition to Germany's military service arrangements remains one of the main reasons behind the demonstrations. The government introduced the Military Service Modernisation Act in December 2025, with the new system taking effect on January 1, 2026. Under the arrangements, all 18 year old men and women are asked to complete questionnaires about their interest and suitability for military service. Completing the questionnaire is compulsory for men but voluntary for women.
From July 2027, men born in 2008 or later will also be subject to compulsory medical assessments. Military service is initially intended to remain voluntary. However, the government could introduce compulsory recruitment through further legislation if the number of volunteers is insufficient or the security situation deteriorates.
The government aims to increase the strength of the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, to more than 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2035. The proposed expansion has raised concerns among young people who fear that military service could eventually become compulsory.
The movement plans to continue its activities despite the violence and political criticism. Gen Z regelt has called for actions at schools and universities between November 2 and 6. It has also announced plans to participate in further youth demonstrations on November 20.
The events have raised questions about how Germany can address growing concerns among younger generations while maintaining public order and protecting the right to peaceful protest. Although political leaders have condemned the violence, the demands that brought thousands of young people onto the streets remain unresolved.