Shops looted as German cost of living protests turn violent

Violent clashes erupted in German cities on Saturday as largely peaceful cost-of-living protests turned chaotic, with shops in central Frankfurt looted and emergency workers targeted with fireworks, stones and bottles. Police in Frankfurt, Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg reported using water cannons to disperse protesters, leading to numerous arrests.

The protests, organized by Gen Z regelt, aimed to address underfunded schools, high living costs, public spending cuts and military service. Despite organizers estimating around 18,000 participants, authorities reported roughly half that number. While day-time demonstrations remained peaceful, violence erupted at night, with windows smashed and molotov cocktails thrown at emergency services.

In Hesse state, interior minister Roman Poseck acknowledged the presence of "around 100 clearly identified left-wing extremists" who had infiltrated the protests, deeming the violent end "shameful" and urging Germany not to emulate France's model of unrest.