Germany Gen Z Protests: 100,000+ Take To Streets In 34 Cities — Riots, Looting In Frankfurt, Cologne As IG Metall Begins Warning Strikes
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BERLIN/FRANKFURT: The group behind German demonstrations this weekend has called for more protests to keep pressure on the govt to act. Meanwhile, the IG Metall union has begun warning strikes after pay talks collapse.
Timeline Oct 31- Nov 1:
Day: Thousands youth marched 34 cities. Students told Al Jazeera angry money goes to army while schools/universities lose funding, many work part-time to study. “This crisis is political failure of our government.”
Evening: Clashes broke out. Frankfurt worst — rioters smashed Die Zeil shopping street, set bins on fire, tore street signs. Gun store windows smashed, police arrested suspect seized 2 weapons. Trainer, perfume stores looted. Molotov cocktails, stones, fireworks at officers. Police deployed 1,000+ personnel downtown before midnight, sealed Zeil, used water cannon.
Cologne: 200 involved disorder near cathedral, 5 detained. Berlin: Rosenthaler Platz 700 grew to 3,500, police ended after stones/fireworks, 56 temporarily detained.
Interior Minister blames left, migrant “troublemakers” for post-protest violence, calls for severe punishment of looters.
Organisers Assessment: “Today, 100,000 people showed why they’re taking to streets,” spokesperson Saturday. Positive assessment despite lower than hoped. Said racism, hate speech, anti-constitutional symbols have no place.
Union Front:IG Metall’s warning strikes limited but symbolic first step before full strikes if no deal. At stake auto manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, metal production.
