Why are young Europeans protesting? Gen Z demonstrations turn violent in Germany, France and Switzerland

Youth-led demonstrations over rising living costs, education cuts and deteriorating public services spread across parts of Europe on Saturday, with clashes between protesters and police reported in Germany, France and Switzerland. While thousands took to the streets to demand greater economic security and increased public spending, violence broke out in several cities, with shops looted, barricades set on fire and officers attacked. The demonstrations come amid growing frustration among young people over the cost of living, inadequate educational facilities and government spending priorities. Protesters have also opposed plans to strengthen military spending and revive compulsory military service in Germany. Germany protests turn violent in Frankfurt, Hamburg In Germany, demonstrations organised by the youth campaign group "Gen Z regelt" (Gen Z takes charge) were held in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Cologne. The movement called for greater investment in education, healthcare, climate protection and social services, while opposing a return to military conscription. Organisers said more than 100,000 people participated nationwide, although official estimates were not immediately available. Most rallies remained peaceful during the day. However, violence erupted in Frankfurt, where masked demonstrators looted shops and damaged several establishments. Police reported smashed shop windows and Molotov cocktails being thrown at emergency personnel. A gun store was among the establishments targeted, with its windows smashed. Police arrested a suspect and seized two weapons. A trainer shop and a perfume store were also reportedly looted, according to German media reports.   Zurich clashes leave vehicles and barricades burning In Switzerland, hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police in Zurich after gathering around the Langstrasse area following calls for protests on social media. According to city police, some participants wore masks and protective eyewear. The crowd set off fireworks and pyrotechnics before moving towards Helvetiaplatz, where barricades were erected and set ablaze. Protesters also torched e-bikes, electric scooters and a car, while damaging shop windows and a public transport stop. Emergency personnel were repeatedly attacked with fireworks, bottles and stones, police said. Officers responded with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. A police patrol responding to a medical emergency was also attacked shortly after midnight and temporarily forced to withdraw. The situation had calmed by around 1.30 am, authorities said, adding that an investigation had been launched. France sees third weekend of protests France witnessed another major round of demonstrations, with an estimated 320,000 people taking part nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry. Around 70,000 protesters gathered in Paris. The rallies marked the third consecutive weekend of protests over living costs, education funding and deteriorating public services. The movement initially gained momentum among students protesting teacher shortages, neglected school buildings and an education system they say disadvantages poorer students. Most marches remained peaceful, but clashes broke out in Paris and other cities as demonstrations ended. Near Porte de Charenton, masked groups threw stones, bottles, fireworks and incendiary devices at police. One riot police officer was hit by a Molotovcocktail, which Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described as an "attempted murder". Authorities deployed around 70,000 police and gendarmes across France. More than 560 arrests had been reported nationwide by Saturday night. The protests reflect mounting discontent among young Europeans over living costs, public services and government priorities, with demonstrations also reported in Italy, Portugal and other parts of the continent.