Protests in France and Germany Escalate into Violence
German police said rioting and looting erupted in Frankfurt on the night of Oct. 31 after largely peaceful cost-of-living protests, and that clashes were also reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. The demonstrations had been organized by the youth initiative "Gen Z regelt," which called for nationwide protests in 21 cities to demand more school funding, lower living costs and action on climate change while rejecting violence. Reuters reported that thousands gathered in dozens of cities on Oct.
31 to press for greater education investment, reduced living expenses and the abolition of compulsory military service. DW. com noted that the protests remained calm during the day, but incidents of looting and violence appeared in the evening, especially in Frankfurt and Cologne.
