The German police union has issued a mixed assessment of the protests across Germany. Andreas Roßkopf, the GdP Chairman for the Federal Police, told the Rheinische Post that the demonstrations involving Gen Z were largely very peaceful.
However, the situation intensified in several cities following the main events, including Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Berlin. In these instances, the police intervened “very consistently and massively,” utilizing tactics such as water cannons and pepper spray where necessary.
Roßkopf stated that the violence came from “autonomous and partially masked individuals.” Despite this, he added that the police appear to have the situation firmly under control, noting that significant property damage has, so far, not occurred.
The police forces remain on absolute alert to prevent further disturbances, potentially even late into the evening or night.
