2 Nov 2026

Demonstrations against Germany’s rising cost of living turned violent, on the evening of October 31, 2026, as masked protesters smashed storefront windows and police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds. Officials alleged that extremist groups had infiltrated demonstrations organized by the youth-led movement, “Gen Z Has Got This!”.

The movement staged nationwide protests on October 31, 2026, to voice opposition to the rising cost of living, insufficient education funding, environmental concerns, and the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service. According to the organizers, approximately 120,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide.

Despite organizers’ appeals for protesters to remain peaceful, violence broke out in several German cities, particularly Cologne and Frankfurt. Cologne police said they deployed water cannons after some demonstrators set off fireworks during a march through the city center. Meanwhile, German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that police had temporarily detained more than 30 people after several individuals broke into shops in central Frankfurt.