Youth-led protests in Germany turn into clashes with police in several cities
On Saturday, demonstrations organised by the group "Gen Z regelt!" took place across Germany over climate, education and the cost of living. Some turned violent, with police using water cannon and pepper spray.
Protests organised by the group "Gen Z regelt!" ("Gen Z takes charge") were held on Saturday in dozens of German cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne. Although the demonstrations were mostly peaceful at first, in several cities they escalated into clashes with police. Officers used water cannon and pepper spray against some protesters.
Main demands
Demonstrators called for stronger climate protection and measures to halt rising living costs. They also objected to compulsory military service and demanded action on the crisis in schools and the education system.
Incidents in the cities
In Cologne, where one of the largest demonstrations took place, police used water cannon to disperse the crowd after fireworks were fired towards officers. In Frankfurt, protesters also launched fireworks at police, and at least one police officer was injured in the clashes.
In Berlin, protesters threw bottles and eggs at officers. In Hamburg, demonstrators set barricades on fire. The source also says that stones were thrown at police in some places.
Turnout
Significant gatherings also took place elsewhere in the country. Total participation across Germany did not exceed 170,000 people.
