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What you need to know
- Gen Z regelt says it had no influence on violent looting after its protests ended
- German Interior Minister Dobrindt blames left, migrant ‘troublemakers’ for violence
- Former Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for Germany’s first female president
- Berlin’s Left Party voted in favor of coalition talks with the Social Democrats and Greens; talks could start Monday
This blog is now closed. Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on the weekend of October 31 – November 1, 2026.
Thank you for reading
We’re closing our coverage of events out of Germany over the weekend. We’ll be back with the latest news on Monday. Tschüss!
Children across Germany find needles in Halloween candy
Needles or other sharp metal objects have been found in sweets children collected while trick-or-treating for Halloween, German police said Sunday.
Police believe most or all of the objects, which also included metal screws, were placed intentionally to cause harm.
Incidents were reported in Thuringia, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate, among other locations, police said.
In one of the cases in the southern city of Nuremberg, police said a child had bitten down on a needle while eating a piece of chocolate. The child was unharmed.
In two separate cases in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg, police said the needles had been concealed as such that they were not visible from the outside.
In several of the cases, police have opened investigations into attempted aggravated assault.
No suspects have been identified.
Natural gas supply is secure as Germany misses storage target, ministry says
Despite the country’s natural gas storage facilities being at about 61.2% capacity, Germany’s supply is secure, according to the Economy Ministry.
“Germany’s gas supply is secure for the coming winter, even with the current storage levels,” a spokeswoman for Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said.
Average storage levels were supposed to reach 70% by Sunday.
“Based on the current assessment, we expect Germany to get through the winter in good shape. Security of supply depends not only on storage levels, but also on actual gas withdrawals, ongoing gas imports and additional precautionary measures,” the spokeswoman added.
The Federal Network Agency also said the country’s gas supply remained stable.
“Security of supply is guaranteed,” it said. “Based on the information currently available, the Federal Network Agency continues to consider the risk of stressed gas supply to be low.”
Sebastian Heinermann, managing director of the Initiative Energien Speichern (Energy Storage Initiative), told the German dpa news agency that failure to meet storage targets was a “serious warning.”
“Germany is entering the heating season with smaller safety reserves. This increases the vulnerability of the gas supply, particularly in the event of exceptionally low temperatures or additional disruptions to gas imports,” Heinermann said.
Over 100 officers injured in Frankfurt, 54 people taken into custody
More than 100 officers were injured, one of them seriously, during violent confrontations in Frankfurt after largely peaceful demonstrations on Saturday, according to Roman Poseck, the interior minister in the state of Hesse, where Frankfurt is located.
He added that up to 1,300 officers were on duty in Frankfurt on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
The minister said 17 stores were damaged and five were looted. Police took 54 people into custody, all between the ages of 13 and 29.
Of the more than 8,000 people who took part in the protests in Frankfurt, authorities estimated there were 1,000 to 1,500 violent troublemakers, “predominantly from a migrant background.”
Poseck said, “An enormous potential for violence on the part of left-wing extremists and violence-prone young people, mostly from migrant backgrounds, has been unleashed.”
“This group of offenders was predominantly made up of migrants. And we must address that too,” he added. “There must be no false taboos here.”
After blaming migrants for the violence, Poseck said German citizens made up the vast majority of those detained.
In Cologne, which also saw violent confrontations between rioters and police, state Interior Minister Herbert Reul said left-wing extremists hijacked the Gen Z protests.
“Anyone who throws rocks and firecrackers at police officers, sets off fireworks, and rampages through the streets has no political agenda,” Reul said in a statement. “People who cover their faces don’t want to discuss or persuade. They want trouble and violence. There’s no justification for that.”
Europe needs to close AI gap with US, China, German president says
Despite considerable attention given to regulating artificial intelligence, European countries need to do more to understand how AI is applied and to keep up with advances made in China and the United States, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told public broadcaster ARD.
“We can only have a serious say in the regulatory framework — an international regulatory framework — if we actually understand the conditions under which it is applied,” Steinmeier said, according to remarks released ahead of the broadcast of ARD’s Sunday evening interview program. “In that respect, I believe Europe does not have the option of saying no to AI.”
He said how countries decide to use and regulate AI could “be a matter of European security.”
“But above all, it is also an ethical question of where the limits of our ability to control this technology actually lie,” Steinmeier said.
Steinmeier, who is finishing his second and final term in office, wrapped up a multi-day tour of China on Saturday. Germany is currently debating who could succeed him.
German Gen Z group calls for more demonstrations
The group that organized this weekend’s protests, “Gen Z regelt” roughly “Gen Z takes charge,” distanced itself from violent riots that occurred after the rallies and called for new demonstrations later this month.
The initiative’s organizers issued a positive assessment of protests across Germany.
“Today, 100,000 people showed why they’re taking to the streets,” a spokesperson for the initiative said Saturday, adding that estimates of participation in six to eight cities would come later.
Gen Z regelt planned protests in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich, and has called for people to take to the streets again on November 14.
The group has called for more funding for schools, addiction treatment, and psychotherapy as well as measures to combat rising living costs. While it promotes social justice and greater climate protection, it opposes the introduction of mandatory military service, as well as an expansion of government surveillance.
“We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion,” Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said Saturday in Berlin. “What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favor of a fairer distribution of the burden.”
Gen Z regelt distanced itself from the violent riots and looting that followed the protests in some cities.
“We did not have any influence on what happened after the demonstrations,” the group’s spokesperson said.
Police also confirmed the demonstrations themselves were largely peaceful and that looting and riots afterward were set off by extremists using the protests for cover.
“The Gen Z protests turned out to be very peaceful,” Andreas Rosskopf, chairman of the police union representing the Federal Police, told the Rheinische Post. He added that the groups responsible for the violence consisted of “autonomous and, in some cases, masked individuals.”
In Cologne, which also saw looting, a police spokeswoman said the incidents were more likely linked to Halloween celebrations than to the aftermath of the Gen Z protests.
People in Germany buying more organic food
Consumers in Germany bought more organic food products through the summer, with overall sales rising 2.8% to €4.42 billion ($4.95 billion) between July and September.
The German Federation of Organic Food Producers (BÖLW) reported that organic products’ share of the German food market reached a record 8.1% in the third quarter.
“The growing organic market is a wake-up call,” BÖLW head Tina Andres said, adding that many consumers see the organic sector as producing food locally and protecting water resources, insects and birds.
Supermarkets and discount retailers accounted for the largest share of third-quarter sales for organically produced food, at 31.3% and 27.8%, respectively. Drug store chains followed in third place with a market share of 12.7%. Specialty organic food retailers saw a 2.0% decline in sales, with a 17.3% market share.
Demand for organic products, which generally cost slightly more than traditionally produced products, has continued to grow steadily in Germany, except for a slowdown in 2022 caused by exceptionally high inflation at the time.
Interior minister blames left, migrant ‘troublemakers’ for post-protest violence
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the riots that followed demonstrations in several major cities, including Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt, blaming troublemakers for the violence and calling for severe criminal punishment of looters.
“Violent left-wing groups and troublemakers from migrant communities in the evening hijacked the peaceful demonstrations that took place,” he told the mass-market Bild newspaper on Sunday without elaborating on the identities of those taken into custody.
“The rioters and looters will be identified and held accountable,” he added. “Serious penalties must follow these breaches of the public peace.”
Dobrindt said German police prevented widespread violence, such as that seen during protests in parts of some French cities.
“Excesses of violence like those seen in Paris were prevented thanks to the highly committed efforts of our police officers,” said Dobrindt, a member of the conservative Christian Social Union. “The police operation strategy, involving a strong visible presence and the decentralized deployment of forces, proved successful.”
Following peaceful demonstrations involving over 100,000 mainly young people, violent incidents and riots broke out after dark, particularly in Frankfurt and Cologne.
In France, protests continued largely peacefully for a third weekend after extensive riots and looting on October 17 left significant damage to shops, public buildings and businesses.
Police sent to protect vandalized shops in Frankfurt
Police were patrolling the streets of downtown Frankfurt on Sunday morning, following looting that saw shop windows smashed and what a police spokesperson said was “considerable” damage to property.
The unrest followed demonstrations by young people demanding better schools, relief from rising living costs and greater social justice. Though the protests were largely peaceful, there were incidents of violence and rioting in Frankfurt and some other big German cities.
In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows, stole goods from shops and attacked police officers. More than 30 people were detained and officers cordoned off parts of the city center. It was not immediately clear how many people were injured in the protests.
The police spokesperson said shops that were looted during the unrest also needed protection.
Hesse’s state Premier Boris Rhein said he was shocked “by the violent excesses in Frankfurt,” which “will not remain without consequences.”
“Anyone who behaves like the attackers in Frankfurt’s city center places themselves outside our society,” Rhein said. “We will carefully assess the aggressors, perpetrator groups and the course of events, and draw our conclusions.”
The group that organized the protests, “Gen Z regelt” roughly “Gen Z takes charge,” had explicitly called for peaceful protests. German media in several cities observed extremists mixing into crowds of peaceful protesters.
IG Metall union begins warning strikes after pay talks collapse
Germany’s IG Metall union began limited “warning strikes” in the metalworking and electrical sectors at midnight on Sunday.
The strikes began with about 300 night-shift employees at a factory in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate holding a rally outside the facility’s entrance. A protest also began overnight at the mobile communications supplier RF 360 Europe/Qualcomm in Munich.
The warning strikes are set to spread across Germany next week. IG Metall is Germany’s largest union and represents about 3.7 million workers in industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, and metal production.
The union has demanded a 5% pay increase over 12 months, as well as job and plant security.
In the second round of negotiations, employers presented an offer that included a one-time payment next year and a 1.3% step increase in July 2028, saying industry faced high cost burdens operating in Germany.
Union Chair Christiane Benner announced “major warning strikes” because the “so-called offer” met only with “incomprehension” in the workplaces, as the pay increases were well below the rate of inflation in Germany.
Berlin’s Left Party votes in favor of coalition talks with Greens, SPD
The Left Party in Berlin overwhelmingly voted in favor of formal talks to form a three-party coalition government with the Greens and Social Democrats.
Negotiations could begin on Monday as the Greens and SPD both already agreed to open formal talks for a government led by The Left in the city-state.
“We will not let ourselves be ground down, and I will not give up,” Elif Eralp, The Left’s parliamentary group leader, told party members during a congress on Saturday. She aims to be Berlin’s first governing mayor from her party.
“Not a day passes without someone trying to force us and me to give up,” she said, accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of trying to “blackmail” the Greens and SPD into abandoning plans for a coalition.
The Left emerged as the strongest party with 25.7% of the vote in the state elections on September 20. Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) followed with 18.8%, the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) with 16.3%, the Greens with 14.3% and the SPD with 12.1%.
“The people of this city voted for us for change, and we will implement it,” Eralp said. “They rightly expect us to pull every lever to improve their lives.”
The three parties are expected to base their coalition negotiations on a preliminary agreement presented two weeks ago.
Its most controversial proposal would see around 160,000 flats owned by five major property companies transferred into public ownership in exchange for compensation.
Ahead of Saturday’s vote, Berlin’s Left Party has been dogged by allegations of antisemitism as well as a debate over Eralp’s independence and ability to address crime in the capital after Der Spiegel published her interview comments indicating she chose not to mention a pro-Palestinian activist by name due to fears for the safety of her family.
Our coverage of Germany’s Gen Z protests
We’ve been busy covering Gen Z protests in Germany in a separate blog.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful throughout the day, but reports switched to instances of violence and rioting in some cities, especially Frankfurt and Cologne, as night fell.
Follow the latest here.
Young Germans take to the streets
Youth protests have begun in cities across Germany, with demonstrators demanding better-funded schools, action on living costs and stronger climate protection. They also oppose a possible return to military conscription.
Read more about the story here.
Cologne’s tiny crossing barrier has a bigger future
A railway crossing barrier just 46 centimeters (18 inches) long has become an unlikely selfie attraction in Cologne — but the city’s transport operator says it serves a purpose.
The miniature arm stands beside tracks leading to a tram maintenance depot in the Weidenpesch district. It has even appeared on Google Maps as “Germany’s smallest barrier.”
Despite online mockery, it is no mistake. “It serves as a placeholder,” said Cologne transport operator KVB spokesman Stephan Anemüller.
Installed in 2020, the barrier is to be extended once a planned cycle path is built alongside a nearby housing development. That avoids having to overhaul the crossing equipment later.
KVB is enjoying the attention. Anemüller called it “an amusing attraction” and said the operator would try to secure it a place in Cologne’s city museum when it is eventually removed.
Merkel calls for Germany’s first female president
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a woman to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, pointing out that no woman has held the office in the country’s 77-year history.
Everyone should ask “whether it might finally be time,” Merkel told MagentaTV.
She said she knew women capable of doing the job but declined to name anyone.
The Federal Convention elects Germany’s next head of state on January 30. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term. The presidency is mostly a ceremonial role.
Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner has the backing of Markus Söder, leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU).
Other names being discussed include Bundestag president Julia Klockner, Education Minister Karin Prien and former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, all from Merkel’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Merkel described the debate as “strange” and criticized its “unpleasant undertone.”
She also challenged her party’s direction, saying the CDU’s identity went beyond economic policy. “The CDU was always about building bridges to all parts of society — and that must be brought back to the forefront.”
- Gen Z regelt says it had no influence on violent looting after its protests ended
- German Interior Minister Dobrindt blames left, migrant ‘troublemakers’ for violence
- Former Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for Germany’s first female president
- Berlin’s Left Party voted in favor of coalition talks with the Social Democrats and Greens; talks could start Monday
This blog is now closed. Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on the weekend of October 31 – November 1, 2026.
This blog is now closed. Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on the weekend of October 31 – November 1, 2026.
We’re closing our coverage of events out of Germany over the weekend. We’ll be back with the latest news on Monday. Tschüss!
We’re closing our coverage of events out of Germany over the weekend. We’ll be back with the latest news on Monday. Tschüss!
Needles or other sharp metal objects have been found in sweets children collected while trick-or-treating for Halloween, German police said Sunday.
Police believe most or all of the objects, which also included metal screws, were placed intentionally to cause harm.
Incidents were reported in Thuringia, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate, among other locations, police said.
In one of the cases in the southern city of Nuremberg, police said a child had bitten down on a needle while eating a piece of chocolate. The child was unharmed.
In two separate cases in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg, police said the needles had been concealed as such that they were not visible from the outside.
In several of the cases, police have opened investigations into attempted aggravated assault.
No suspects have been identified.
Needles or other sharp metal objects have been found in sweets children collected while trick-or-treating for Halloween, German police said Sunday.
Police believe most or all of the objects, which also included metal screws, were placed intentionally to cause harm.
Incidents were reported in Thuringia, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate, among other locations, police said.
In one of the cases in the southern city of Nuremberg, police said a child had bitten down on a needle while eating a piece of chocolate. The child was unharmed.
In two separate cases in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg, police said the needles had been concealed as such that they were not visible from the outside.
In several of the cases, police have opened investigations into attempted aggravated assault.
No suspects have been identified.
Despite the country’s natural gas storage facilities being at about 61.2% capacity, Germany’s supply is secure, according to the Economy Ministry.
“Germany’s gas supply is secure for the coming winter, even with the current storage levels,” a spokeswoman for Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said.
Average storage levels were supposed to reach 70% by Sunday.
“Based on the current assessment, we expect Germany to get through the winter in good shape. Security of supply depends not only on storage levels, but also on actual gas withdrawals, ongoing gas imports and additional precautionary measures,” the spokeswoman added.
The Federal Network Agency also said the country’s gas supply remained stable.
“Security of supply is guaranteed,” it said. “Based on the information currently available, the Federal Network Agency continues to consider the risk of stressed gas supply to be low.”
Sebastian Heinermann, managing director of the Initiative Energien Speichern (Energy Storage Initiative), told the German dpa news agency that failure to meet storage targets was a “serious warning.”
“Germany is entering the heating season with smaller safety reserves. This increases the vulnerability of the gas supply, particularly in the event of exceptionally low temperatures or additional disruptions to gas imports,” Heinermann said.
Despite the country’s natural gas storage facilities being at about 61.2% capacity, Germany’s supply is secure, according to the Economy Ministry.
“Germany’s gas supply is secure for the coming winter, even with the current storage levels,” a spokeswoman for Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said.
Average storage levels were supposed to reach 70% by Sunday.
“Based on the current assessment, we expect Germany to get through the winter in good shape. Security of supply depends not only on storage levels, but also on actual gas withdrawals, ongoing gas imports and additional precautionary measures,” the spokeswoman added.
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The Federal Network Agency also said the country’s gas supply remained stable.
“Security of supply is guaranteed,” it said. “Based on the information currently available, the Federal Network Agency continues to consider the risk of stressed gas supply to be low.”
Sebastian Heinermann, managing director of the Initiative Energien Speichern (Energy Storage Initiative), told the German dpa news agency that failure to meet storage targets was a “serious warning.”
“Germany is entering the heating season with smaller safety reserves. This increases the vulnerability of the gas supply, particularly in the event of exceptionally low temperatures or additional disruptions to gas imports,” Heinermann said.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
More than 100 officers were injured, one of them seriously, during violent confrontations in Frankfurt after largely peaceful demonstrations on Saturday, according to Roman Poseck, the interior minister in the state of Hesse, where Frankfurt is located.
He added that up to 1,300 officers were on duty in Frankfurt on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
The minister said 17 stores were damaged and five were looted. Police took 54 people into custody, all between the ages of 13 and 29.
Of the more than 8,000 people who took part in the protests in Frankfurt, authorities estimated there were 1,000 to 1,500 violent troublemakers, “predominantly from a migrant background.”
Poseck said, “An enormous potential for violence on the part of left-wing extremists and violence-prone young people, mostly from migrant backgrounds, has been unleashed.”
“This group of offenders was predominantly made up of migrants. And we must address that too,” he added. “There must be no false taboos here.”
After blaming migrants for the violence, Poseck said German citizens made up the vast majority of those detained.
In Cologne, which also saw violent confrontations between rioters and police, state Interior Minister Herbert Reul said left-wing extremists hijacked the Gen Z protests.
“Anyone who throws rocks and firecrackers at police officers, sets off fireworks, and rampages through the streets has no political agenda,” Reul said in a statement. “People who cover their faces don’t want to discuss or persuade. They want trouble and violence. There’s no justification for that.”
More than 100 officers were injured, one of them seriously, during violent confrontations in Frankfurt after largely peaceful demonstrations on Saturday, according to Roman Poseck, the interior minister in the state of Hesse, where Frankfurt is located.
He added that up to 1,300 officers were on duty in Frankfurt on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
The minister said 17 stores were damaged and five were looted. Police took 54 people into custody, all between the ages of 13 and 29.
Of the more than 8,000 people who took part in the protests in Frankfurt, authorities estimated there were 1,000 to 1,500 violent troublemakers, “predominantly from a migrant background.”
Poseck said, “An enormous potential for violence on the part of left-wing extremists and violence-prone young people, mostly from migrant backgrounds, has been unleashed.”
“This group of offenders was predominantly made up of migrants. And we must address that too,” he added. “There must be no false taboos here.”
After blaming migrants for the violence, Poseck said German citizens made up the vast majority of those detained.
In Cologne, which also saw violent confrontations between rioters and police, state Interior Minister Herbert Reul said left-wing extremists hijacked the Gen Z protests.
“Anyone who throws rocks and firecrackers at police officers, sets off fireworks, and rampages through the streets has no political agenda,” Reul said in a statement. “People who cover their faces don’t want to discuss or persuade. They want trouble and violence. There’s no justification for that.”
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Despite considerable attention given to regulating artificial intelligence, European countries need to do more to understand how AI is applied and to keep up with advances made in China and the United States, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told public broadcaster ARD.
“We can only have a serious say in the regulatory framework — an international regulatory framework — if we actually understand the conditions under which it is applied,” Steinmeier said, according to remarks released ahead of the broadcast of ARD’s Sunday evening interview program. “In that respect, I believe Europe does not have the option of saying no to AI.”
He said how countries decide to use and regulate AI could “be a matter of European security.”
“But above all, it is also an ethical question of where the limits of our ability to control this technology actually lie,” Steinmeier said.
Steinmeier, who is finishing his second and final term in office, wrapped up a multi-day tour of China on Saturday. Germany is currently debating who could succeed him.
Despite considerable attention given to regulating artificial intelligence, European countries need to do more to understand how AI is applied and to keep up with advances made in China and the United States, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told public broadcaster ARD.
“We can only have a serious say in the regulatory framework — an international regulatory framework — if we actually understand the conditions under which it is applied,” Steinmeier said, according to remarks released ahead of the broadcast of ARD’s Sunday evening interview program. “In that respect, I believe Europe does not have the option of saying no to AI.”
He said how countries decide to use and regulate AI could “be a matter of European security.”
“But above all, it is also an ethical question of where the limits of our ability to control this technology actually lie,” Steinmeier said.
Steinmeier, who is finishing his second and final term in office, wrapped up a multi-day tour of China on Saturday. Germany is currently debating who could succeed him.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The group that organized this weekend’s protests, “Gen Z regelt” roughly “Gen Z takes charge,” distanced itself from violent riots that occurred after the rallies and called for new demonstrations later this month.
The initiative’s organizers issued a positive assessment of protests across Germany.
“Today, 100,000 people showed why they’re taking to the streets,” a spokesperson for the initiative said Saturday, adding that estimates of participation in six to eight cities would come later.
Gen Z regelt planned protests in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich, and has called for people to take to the streets again on November 14.
The group has called for more funding for schools, addiction treatment, and psychotherapy as well as measures to combat rising living costs. While it promotes social justice and greater climate protection, it opposes the introduction of mandatory military service, as well as an expansion of government surveillance.
“We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion,” Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said Saturday in Berlin. “What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favor of a fairer distribution of the burden.”
Gen Z regelt distanced itself from the violent riots and looting that followed the protests in some cities.
“We did not have any influence on what happened after the demonstrations,” the group’s spokesperson said.
Police also confirmed the demonstrations themselves were largely peaceful and that looting and riots afterward were set off by extremists using the protests for cover.
“The Gen Z protests turned out to be very peaceful,” Andreas Rosskopf, chairman of the police union representing the Federal Police, told the Rheinische Post. He added that the groups responsible for the violence consisted of “autonomous and, in some cases, masked individuals.”
In Cologne, which also saw looting, a police spokeswoman said the incidents were more likely linked to Halloween celebrations than to the aftermath of the Gen Z protests.
The group that organized this weekend’s protests, “Gen Z regelt” roughly “Gen Z takes charge,” distanced itself from violent riots that occurred after the rallies and called for new demonstrations later this month.
The initiative’s organizers issued a positive assessment of protests across Germany.
“Today, 100,000 people showed why they’re taking to the streets,” a spokesperson for the initiative said Saturday, adding that estimates of participation in six to eight cities would come later.
Gen Z regelt planned protests in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich, and has called for people to take to the streets again on November 14.
The group has called for more funding for schools, addiction treatment, and psychotherapy as well as measures to combat rising living costs. While it promotes social justice and greater climate protection, it opposes the introduction of mandatory military service, as well as an expansion of government surveillance.
“We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion,” Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said Saturday in Berlin. “What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favor of a fairer distribution of the burden.”
Gen Z regelt distanced itself from the violent riots and looting that followed the protests in some cities.
“We did not have any influence on what happened after the demonstrations,” the group’s spokesperson said.
Police also confirmed the demonstrations themselves were largely peaceful and that looting and riots afterward were set off by extremists using the protests for cover.
“The Gen Z protests turned out to be very peaceful,” Andreas Rosskopf, chairman of the police union representing the Federal Police, told the Rheinische Post. He added that the groups responsible for the violence consisted of “autonomous and, in some cases, masked individuals.”
In Cologne, which also saw looting, a police spokeswoman said the incidents were more likely linked to Halloween celebrations than to the aftermath of the Gen Z protests.
Consumers in Germany bought more organic food products through the summer, with overall sales rising 2.8% to €4.42 billion ($4.95 billion) between July and September.
The German Federation of Organic Food Producers (BÖLW) reported that organic products’ share of the German food market reached a record 8.1% in the third quarter.
“The growing organic market is a wake-up call,” BÖLW head Tina Andres said, adding that many consumers see the organic sector as producing food locally and protecting water resources, insects and birds.
Supermarkets and discount retailers accounted for the largest share of third-quarter sales for organically produced food, at 31.3% and 27.8%, respectively. Drug store chains followed in third place with a market share of 12.7%. Specialty organic food retailers saw a 2.0% decline in sales, with a 17.3% market share.
Demand for organic products, which generally cost slightly more than traditionally produced products, has continued to grow steadily in Germany, except for a slowdown in 2022 caused by exceptionally high inflation at the time.
Consumers in Germany bought more organic food products through the summer, with overall sales rising 2.8% to €4.42 billion ($4.95 billion) between July and September.
The German Federation of Organic Food Producers (BÖLW) reported that organic products’ share of the German food market reached a record 8.1% in the third quarter.
“The growing organic market is a wake-up call,” BÖLW head Tina Andres said, adding that many consumers see the organic sector as producing food locally and protecting water resources, insects and birds.
Supermarkets and discount retailers accounted for the largest share of third-quarter sales for organically produced food, at 31.3% and 27.8%, respectively. Drug store chains followed in third place with a market share of 12.7%. Specialty organic food retailers saw a 2.0% decline in sales, with a 17.3% market share.
Demand for organic products, which generally cost slightly more than traditionally produced products, has continued to grow steadily in Germany, except for a slowdown in 2022 caused by exceptionally high inflation at the time.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the riots that followed demonstrations in several major cities, including Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt, blaming troublemakers for the violence and calling for severe criminal punishment of looters.
“Violent left-wing groups and troublemakers from migrant communities in the evening hijacked the peaceful demonstrations that took place,” he told the mass-market Bild newspaper on Sunday without elaborating on the identities of those taken into custody.
“The rioters and looters will be identified and held accountable,” he added. “Serious penalties must follow these breaches of the public peace.”
Dobrindt said German police prevented widespread violence, such as that seen during protests in parts of some French cities.
“Excesses of violence like those seen in Paris were prevented thanks to the highly committed efforts of our police officers,” said Dobrindt, a member of the conservative Christian Social Union. “The police operation strategy, involving a strong visible presence and the decentralized deployment of forces, proved successful.”
Following peaceful demonstrations involving over 100,000 mainly young people, violent incidents and riots broke out after dark, particularly in Frankfurt and Cologne.
In France, protests continued largely peacefully for a third weekend after extensive riots and looting on October 17 left significant damage to shops, public buildings and businesses.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the riots that followed demonstrations in several major cities, including Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt, blaming troublemakers for the violence and calling for severe criminal punishment of looters.
“Violent left-wing groups and troublemakers from migrant communities in the evening hijacked the peaceful demonstrations that took place,” he told the mass-market Bild newspaper on Sunday without elaborating on the identities of those taken into custody.
“The rioters and looters will be identified and held accountable,” he added. “Serious penalties must follow these breaches of the public peace.”
Dobrindt said German police prevented widespread violence, such as that seen during protests in parts of some French cities.
“Excesses of violence like those seen in Paris were prevented thanks to the highly committed efforts of our police officers,” said Dobrindt, a member of the conservative Christian Social Union. “The police operation strategy, involving a strong visible presence and the decentralized deployment of forces, proved successful.”
Following peaceful demonstrations involving over 100,000 mainly young people, violent incidents and riots broke out after dark, particularly in Frankfurt and Cologne.
In France, protests continued largely peacefully for a third weekend after extensive riots and looting on October 17 left significant damage to shops, public buildings and businesses.
Police were patrolling the streets of downtown Frankfurt on Sunday morning, following looting that saw shop windows smashed and what a police spokesperson said was “considerable” damage to property.
The unrest followed demonstrations by young people demanding better schools, relief from rising living costs and greater social justice. Though the protests were largely peaceful, there were incidents of violence and rioting in Frankfurt and some other big German cities.
In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows, stole goods from shops and attacked police officers. More than 30 people were detained and officers cordoned off parts of the city center. It was not immediately clear how many people were injured in the protests.
The police spokesperson said shops that were looted during the unrest also needed protection.
Hesse’s state Premier Boris Rhein said he was shocked “by the violent excesses in Frankfurt,” which “will not remain without consequences.”
“Anyone who behaves like the attackers in Frankfurt’s city center places themselves outside our society,” Rhein said. “We will carefully assess the aggressors, perpetrator groups and the course of events, and draw our conclusions.”
The group that organized the protests, “Gen Z regelt” roughly “Gen Z takes charge,” had explicitly called for peaceful protests. German media in several cities observed extremists mixing into crowds of peaceful protesters.
Police were patrolling the streets of downtown Frankfurt on Sunday morning, following looting that saw shop windows smashed and what a police spokesperson said was “considerable” damage to property.
The unrest followed demonstrations by young people demanding better schools, relief from rising living costs and greater social justice. Though the protests were largely peaceful, there were incidents of violence and rioting in Frankfurt and some other big German cities.
In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows, stole goods from shops and attacked police officers. More than 30 people were detained and officers cordoned off parts of the city center. It was not immediately clear how many people were injured in the protests.
The police spokesperson said shops that were looted during the unrest also needed protection.
Hesse’s state Premier Boris Rhein said he was shocked “by the violent excesses in Frankfurt,” which “will not remain without consequences.”
“Anyone who behaves like the attackers in Frankfurt’s city center places themselves outside our society,” Rhein said. “We will carefully assess the aggressors, perpetrator groups and the course of events, and draw our conclusions.”
The group that organized the protests, “Gen Z regelt” roughly “Gen Z takes charge,” had explicitly called for peaceful protests. German media in several cities observed extremists mixing into crowds of peaceful protesters.
Germany’s IG Metall union began limited “warning strikes” in the metalworking and electrical sectors at midnight on Sunday.
The strikes began with about 300 night-shift employees at a factory in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate holding a rally outside the facility’s entrance. A protest also began overnight at the mobile communications supplier RF 360 Europe/Qualcomm in Munich.
The warning strikes are set to spread across Germany next week. IG Metall is Germany’s largest union and represents about 3.7 million workers in industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, and metal production.
The union has demanded a 5% pay increase over 12 months, as well as job and plant security.
In the second round of negotiations, employers presented an offer that included a one-time payment next year and a 1.3% step increase in July 2028, saying industry faced high cost burdens operating in Germany.
Union Chair Christiane Benner announced “major warning strikes” because the “so-called offer” met only with “incomprehension” in the workplaces, as the pay increases were well below the rate of inflation in Germany.
Germany’s IG Metall union began limited “warning strikes” in the metalworking and electrical sectors at midnight on Sunday.
The strikes began with about 300 night-shift employees at a factory in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate holding a rally outside the facility’s entrance. A protest also began overnight at the mobile communications supplier RF 360 Europe/Qualcomm in Munich.
The warning strikes are set to spread across Germany next week. IG Metall is Germany’s largest union and represents about 3.7 million workers in industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, and metal production.
The union has demanded a 5% pay increase over 12 months, as well as job and plant security.
In the second round of negotiations, employers presented an offer that included a one-time payment next year and a 1.3% step increase in July 2028, saying industry faced high cost burdens operating in Germany.
Union Chair Christiane Benner announced “major warning strikes” because the “so-called offer” met only with “incomprehension” in the workplaces, as the pay increases were well below the rate of inflation in Germany.
The Left Party in Berlin overwhelmingly voted in favor of formal talks to form a three-party coalition government with the Greens and Social Democrats.
Negotiations could begin on Monday as the Greens and SPD both already agreed to open formal talks for a government led by The Left in the city-state.
“We will not let ourselves be ground down, and I will not give up,” Elif Eralp, The Left’s parliamentary group leader, told party members during a congress on Saturday. She aims to be Berlin’s first governing mayor from her party.
“Not a day passes without someone trying to force us and me to give up,” she said, accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of trying to “blackmail” the Greens and SPD into abandoning plans for a coalition.
The Left emerged as the strongest party with 25.7% of the vote in the state elections on September 20. Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) followed with 18.8%, the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) with 16.3%, the Greens with 14.3% and the SPD with 12.1%.
“The people of this city voted for us for change, and we will implement it,” Eralp said. “They rightly expect us to pull every lever to improve their lives.”
The three parties are expected to base their coalition negotiations on a preliminary agreement presented two weeks ago.
Its most controversial proposal would see around 160,000 flats owned by five major property companies transferred into public ownership in exchange for compensation.
Ahead of Saturday’s vote, Berlin’s Left Party has been dogged by allegations of antisemitism as well as a debate over Eralp’s independence and ability to address crime in the capital after Der Spiegel published her interview comments indicating she chose not to mention a pro-Palestinian activist by name due to fears for the safety of her family.
The Left Party in Berlin overwhelmingly voted in favor of formal talks to form a three-party coalition government with the Greens and Social Democrats.
Negotiations could begin on Monday as the Greens and SPD both already agreed to open formal talks for a government led by The Left in the city-state.
“We will not let ourselves be ground down, and I will not give up,” Elif Eralp, The Left’s parliamentary group leader, told party members during a congress on Saturday. She aims to be Berlin’s first governing mayor from her party.
“Not a day passes without someone trying to force us and me to give up,” she said, accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of trying to “blackmail” the Greens and SPD into abandoning plans for a coalition.
The Left emerged as the strongest party with 25.7% of the vote in the state elections on September 20. Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) followed with 18.8%, the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) with 16.3%, the Greens with 14.3% and the SPD with 12.1%.
“The people of this city voted for us for change, and we will implement it,” Eralp said. “They rightly expect us to pull every lever to improve their lives.”
The three parties are expected to base their coalition negotiations on a preliminary agreement presented two weeks ago.
Its most controversial proposal would see around 160,000 flats owned by five major property companies transferred into public ownership in exchange for compensation.
Ahead of Saturday’s vote, Berlin’s Left Party has been dogged by allegations of antisemitism as well as a debate over Eralp’s independence and ability to address crime in the capital after Der Spiegel published her interview comments indicating she chose not to mention a pro-Palestinian activist by name due to fears for the safety of her family.
We’ve been busy covering Gen Z protests in Germany in a separate blog.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful throughout the day, but reports switched to instances of violence and rioting in some cities, especially Frankfurt and Cologne, as night fell.
Follow the latest here.
We’ve been busy covering Gen Z protests in Germany in a separate blog.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful throughout the day, but reports switched to instances of violence and rioting in some cities, especially Frankfurt and Cologne, as night fell.
Follow the latest here.
Youth protests have begun in cities across Germany, with demonstrators demanding better-funded schools, action on living costs and stronger climate protection. They also oppose a possible return to military conscription.
Read more about the story here.
Youth protests have begun in cities across Germany, with demonstrators demanding better-funded schools, action on living costs and stronger climate protection. They also oppose a possible return to military conscription.
Read more about the story here.
A railway crossing barrier just 46 centimeters (18 inches) long has become an unlikely selfie attraction in Cologne — but the city’s transport operator says it serves a purpose.
The miniature arm stands beside tracks leading to a tram maintenance depot in the Weidenpesch district. It has even appeared on Google Maps as “Germany’s smallest barrier.”
Despite online mockery, it is no mistake. “It serves as a placeholder,” said Cologne transport operator KVB spokesman Stephan Anemüller.
Installed in 2020, the barrier is to be extended once a planned cycle path is built alongside a nearby housing development. That avoids having to overhaul the crossing equipment later.
KVB is enjoying the attention. Anemüller called it “an amusing attraction” and said the operator would try to secure it a place in Cologne’s city museum when it is eventually removed.
A railway crossing barrier just 46 centimeters (18 inches) long has become an unlikely selfie attraction in Cologne — but the city’s transport operator says it serves a purpose.
The miniature arm stands beside tracks leading to a tram maintenance depot in the Weidenpesch district. It has even appeared on Google Maps as “Germany’s smallest barrier.”
Despite online mockery, it is no mistake. “It serves as a placeholder,” said Cologne transport operator KVB spokesman Stephan Anemüller.
Installed in 2020, the barrier is to be extended once a planned cycle path is built alongside a nearby housing development. That avoids having to overhaul the crossing equipment later.
KVB is enjoying the attention. Anemüller called it “an amusing attraction” and said the operator would try to secure it a place in Cologne’s city museum when it is eventually removed.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a woman to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, pointing out that no woman has held the office in the country’s 77-year history.
Everyone should ask “whether it might finally be time,” Merkel told MagentaTV.
She said she knew women capable of doing the job but declined to name anyone.
The Federal Convention elects Germany’s next head of state on January 30. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term. The presidency is mostly a ceremonial role.
Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner has the backing of Markus Söder, leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU).
Other names being discussed include Bundestag president Julia Klockner, Education Minister Karin Prien and former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, all from Merkel’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Merkel described the debate as “strange” and criticized its “unpleasant undertone.”
She also challenged her party’s direction, saying the CDU’s identity went beyond economic policy. “The CDU was always about building bridges to all parts of society — and that must be brought back to the forefront.”
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a woman to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, pointing out that no woman has held the office in the country’s 77-year history.
Everyone should ask “whether it might finally be time,” Merkel told MagentaTV.
She said she knew women capable of doing the job but declined to name anyone.
The Federal Convention elects Germany’s next head of state on January 30. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term. The presidency is mostly a ceremonial role.
Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner has the backing of Markus Söder, leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU).
Other names being discussed include Bundestag president Julia Klockner, Education Minister Karin Prien and former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, all from Merkel’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Merkel described the debate as “strange” and criticized its “unpleasant undertone.”
She also challenged her party’s direction, saying the CDU’s identity went beyond economic policy. “The CDU was always about building bridges to all parts of society — and that must be brought back to the forefront.”
[analyse_source url=”https://www.dw.com/en/germany-news-gen-z-group-calls-for-new-protests/live-79814961″]