Arabic version: احتجاجات تكاليف المعيشة في ألمانيا تتحول إلى أعمال عنف

According to BBC News, shops were looted in central Frankfurt late on Saturday after clashes erupted during protests over Germany’s cost of living. Violence was also reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg following largely peaceful demonstrations earlier in the day.

Thousands of people joined protests organised by Gen Z regelt, meaning “Gen Z takes charge”. The group demonstrated over underfunding in schools, high living costs, public spending cuts and military service. Spokesperson Lina Friedrich said the demonstrations sought better support for health and education, opposed compulsory military service and called for a fairer distribution of the burden.

In Frankfurt, police closed off a large section of the main shopping street overnight and said many arrests were made. Authorities said shop windows were smashed, Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency services, and people entered shops and stole trainers and other items. Police also said two weapons were seized after a suspect was arrested following damage to a gun shop.

Roman Poseck, interior minister of Hesse state, said about 100 “clearly identified left-wing extremists” had infiltrated the Frankfurt protest. Police said the situation in the city calmed overnight into Sunday. Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called for “harsh punishments” for rioters and looters.

Elsewhere, Berlin police said 27 officers were injured and up to 56 people were temporarily detained after a smaller evening demonstration. Hamburg saw fireworks and burning barricades, with NDR reporting 120 arrests. In Cologne, police said officers were attacked with bottles and a bicycle near the main train station.