Tens of thousands of young people took to the streets across Germany on Saturday, demanding better education, lower living costs and an end to compulsory military service.

The demonstrations, organised by the campaign group “Gen Z regelt”, took place in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. The campaign’s name translates as “Gen Z takes charge”.

However, violence broke out in Frankfurt later in the evening. Hooded groups looted at least two stores, damaged several others and smashed shop windows, according to a Reuters witness.

Frankfurt police also reported that Molotov cocktails were being thrown at emergency services. In a post on X, police urged bystanders to avoid the city centre or leave the area.

Protesters Call for Education Investment and Lower Costs

The campaign opposes compulsory military service and demands greater investment in education. It also reflects concerns among young Germans about rising living costs and the future facing their generation.

The demonstrations formed part of a wider wave of youth-led protests across Europe. Similar movements have taken place in several countries, including France and Serbia.

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Meanwhile, organisers initially expected 182,000 people to participate in the German demonstrations. However, figures reported on Saturday afternoon indicated a lower turnout.

Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin reported up to 18,000 protesters combined. This was around half of the approximately 36,000 participants listed on the organisers’ website, according to Reuters.

Most Demonstrations Remain Peaceful

German authorities said most Saturday demonstrations had remained peaceful. Nevertheless, they warned that extremist groups could attempt to exploit the movement.

In Hamburg, some barricades were set on fire. Frankfurt also witnessed looting and clashes after the main demonstrations.

However, reports published after the events indicated that the relationship between the later disturbances and the organised protests was not always clear. The campaign’s representatives distanced themselves from violence that occurred after the rallies.

Gen Z Campaign Calls for Peace and Freedom

Speaking at a rally in Berlin, Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said the movement was campaigning for peace and freedom rather than war and coercion.

She also called for stronger support for Germany’s health and education systems.

The campaign, she said, opposed compulsory military service and supported a fairer distribution of responsibilities.

Through the demonstrations, young protesters sought to draw attention to education funding, living costs and military service. At the same time, the violence in some cities raised concerns about public safety and the risk of extremist groups exploiting the protests.