German politicians have condemned clashes and looting that occurred during youth-led demonstrations across the country, while warning that the violence should not overshadow the protesters’ demands.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt blamed the unrest on what he described as violent left-wing groups and troublemakers from migrant communities. Speaking to German newspaper Bild on Sunday, he said the disturbances were less severe than those witnessed in Paris.
The violence broke out on Saturday as tens of thousands of people joined demonstrations organised by the youth movement GenZ regelt!, whose name translates roughly as “Gen Z has got this”. The protesters called for greater attention to issues affecting young people, including the rising cost of living, education funding and government budget cuts.
Although the demonstrations were largely peaceful, violence erupted on the sidelines in several major cities. Masked individuals looted shops in Frankfurt, while clashes were reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. Police used water cannon against groups of young people who threw petrol bombs.
Hesse state premier Boris Rhein condemned the incidents, describing the violence as completely unacceptable in a statement posted on X.
However, several politicians cautioned against allowing the unrest to overshadow the concerns raised by peaceful demonstrators.
Ines Schwerdtner, leader of the far-left Die Linke party, told the Rheinische Post that the demands of peaceful protesters would not disappear because smaller groups had engaged in vandalism.
Green Party co-leader Franziska Brantner also condemned the violence, saying it undermined the legitimate cause of those who had demonstrated peacefully.
Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party blamed the unrest on left-wing extremism and what it described as uncontrolled migration.
The demonstrations were inspired by similar youth-led movements in France and Italy, reflecting growing calls for governments to address economic and social concerns affecting younger generations.
Despite the violence, GenZ regelt! has announced plans for another round of demonstrations on November 14, describing the recent protests as only the beginning of its campaign.