ISLAMABAD, 1 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Germany witnessed widespread youth demonstrations on Saturday as Generation Z protesters took to the streets in 34 cities to demand better educational facilities, affordable living conditions and an end to compulsory military service, while some demonstrations turned violent in Frankfurt. In the country’s financial centre, masked individuals reportedly ransacked at least two shops and damaged several other businesses as police struggled to contain the unrest. Frankfurt police confirmed that violent incidents were continuing in the city centre, where shop windows were broken and Molotov cocktails were allegedly thrown towards emergency personnel. Authorities advised residents and visitors to stay away from the affected areas. The demonstrations were organised by the youth campaign “Gen Z regelt”, meaning “Gen Z Takes Charge”, which is calling for greater government investment in education and healthcare amid mounting financial pressures on young people. Protests also took place in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, where some barricades were set on fire. Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin estimated that approximately 18,000 people joined the demonstrations, compared with around 36,000 claimed by organisers, who had initially expected a turnout of 182,000. German authorities said most gatherings remained peaceful but warned that extremist elements might exploit the protests. Campaign spokesperson Lina Friedrich said in Berlin that the movement supported peace and freedom rather than war and coercion. She called for stronger public healthcare and education systems, rejection of compulsory military service and a more equitable distribution of social responsibilities. The demonstrations reflect a wider wave of youth-led protests across Europe, driven by dissatisfaction with rising living costs, public services and government policies.