The nationwide protests that were initially organized by the “GenZ regelt” (GenZ Organizes) initiative resulted in riots in several cities early in the evening. In Berlin, masked individuals mingled with the demonstrators on Saturday, marching through the streets and setting off firecrackers and rockets. Additionally, eggs and bottles were reported to have been thrown at law enforcement personnel. The organizers of “Gen Z regelt” distanced themselves from these events.
In Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg, the police deployed water cannons against the demonstrators during the GenZ protests. In Hannover, several people were injured by firecrackers. Throwing stones and setting fire to barricades also occurred. In all affected cities, the police were deployed in a major operation to bring the situation under control.
The “Gen Z regelt” initiative had called for demonstrations in over 30 other cities besides Berlin. Among the demands being made are measures against dilapidated schools, rising living costs, “unfair distribution of burdens,” and climate change. The demonstration call also included opposing mandatory military service and a constantly expanding “surveillance apparatus.”
Similar demands fueled protests in countries like France and Italy, which in recent weeks sometimes escalated into violent clashes. The official promoters of the protests in Germany emphasized that the demonstrations were intended to remain peaceful.
