The nationwide protests, organized by the youth-led campaign group Gen Z regelt, meaning “Gen Z Takes Charge,” took place in more than 30 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

While most demonstrations remained peaceful, violence erupted in several locations, with rioters smashing shop windows, looting businesses and setting fire to barricades.

In Frankfurt, police reported widespread vandalism in the city center, including attacks on emergency personnel using Molotov cocktails. Authorities warned residents and bystanders to avoid the affected areas as security forces worked to restore order.

Similar disturbances were reported in Hamburg, where protesters set barricades ablaze. Several businesses had boarded up their windows and entrances ahead of the demonstrations amid fears of possible unrest.

The protests, which coincided with Halloween celebrations, came just weeks after neighboring France experienced some of its worst rioting in decades, raising concerns about growing social and economic dissatisfaction across Europe.

At the heart of the German demonstrations are demands for stronger government action on affordable housing, education, healthcare and climate protection.

Protesters are also opposing proposals to reintroduce compulsory military service, arguing that young people should not be forced into military obligations while essential public services remain underfunded.

Speaking at a demonstration in Berlin, Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said the movement was advocating peace, freedom and social justice rather than military coercion.

She emphasized that the government should prioritize strengthening healthcare and education while ensuring that the financial responsibilities facing German society are distributed more fairly.

The demonstrations reflect mounting frustration among younger Germans over economic pressures, housing affordability and government spending priorities.

Although the majority of participants demonstrated peacefully, the outbreaks of violence presented fresh challenges for security authorities seeking to maintain public order.

As calls for economic reforms and greater investment in social services intensify, the protests highlight growing pressure on German authorities to respond to the concerns of younger generations while addressing tensions surrounding national defense and compulsory military service.