Youth-led cost-of-living protests across Germany descended into violence late Saturday as rioters smashed storefronts, looted shops and clashed with police in Frankfurt, Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg.
The unrest followed largely peaceful demonstrations organised by Gen Z regelt, which mobilised thousands against rising living costs, underfunded public services and compulsory military service.
In Frankfurt, masked rioters attacked storefronts, stole merchandise and hurled stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at police.
Authorities said two weapons stolen from a gun shop were recovered after a suspect was arrested, while several people were detained as police secured the city centre.
Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck alleged that approximately 100 left-wing extremists had infiltrated the Frankfurt demonstration.
In Berlin, police reported 27 injured officers and up to 56 temporary detentions following evening clashes.
Hamburg authorities confronted protesters who fired pyrotechnics and burned barricades, prompting police to deploy water cannons and tear gas.
Public broadcaster NDR reported 120 arrests.
In Cologne, officers were attacked near the central railway station with bottles and a bicycle.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called for severe penalties against rioters and looters, while police reported that conditions in Frankfurt had stabilised overnight.
The demonstrations were organised by Gen Z regelt, whose demands include increased investment in education, healthcare, housing and climate protection, alongside opposition to military conscription.
Organisers estimated nationwide participation at tens of thousands, although official figures remained incomplete.
The German unrest coincided with continuing youth-led demonstrations elsewhere in Europe, particularly France, where more than 320,000 people protested for a third consecutive weekend.
French authorities reported more than 500 arrests following clashes in Toulouse, Lyon and Marseille, while police also confronted rioters in Paris.
Italy experienced clashes in Rome and Turin, while Portuguese police moved to dismantle a protest encampment established after demonstrations against proposed rental legislation.
Similar movements have emerged across Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Greece, Serbia and Albania, reflecting widespread concerns over housing affordability, education and public spending.