Gen Z protests turn violent in Germany
Young demonstrators clash with police in Berlin and shops are looted in Frankfurt in echo of last month’s French riots
On the weekend of October 31 - November 1, 2026, a new protest movement led by Gen Z activists called for demonstrations and addressed concerns about social justice, education, addiction treatment, psychotherapy, and rising living costs. The group, Gen Z regelt, planned protests in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich, and demanded new protests on November 14.
They distanced themselves from any violent incidents that occurred after the rallies and vowed to fight for peace and freedom, not war and coercion.
Police confirmed the protests were largely peaceful, with extremists using the protests to cover up looting and rioting in some cities. In Cologne, incidents were attributed to Halloween celebrations rather than post-protest activities. In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows, stole goods, and attacked police officers, with over 30 people detained. Hesse's state Premier Boris Rhein expressed shock at the violent excesses and vowed to assess the aggressors and draw conclusions.
Gen Z regelt had called for peaceful protests, and the group's spokesperson, Lina Friedrich, emphasized fighting for peace and freedom instead. German media reported that extremists mingled with peaceful protesters in several cities. The Left Party in Berlin voted to form a coalition government with the Greens and Social Democrats, aiming to improve the city-state.
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