Germany’s political debate has focused on violence reported in Frankfurt after largely peaceful demonstrations by young people took place in around 30 cities on Saturday, October 31. Rioters vandalized 17 shops, five of which were looted, causing widespread concern among political and security officials.
The incidents have prompted fears of unrest similar to that seen in France on October 17. Organizers of the demonstrations, grouped under the name “GenZ Regelt” (“Gen Z decides”), immediately condemned the violence.
On Sunday, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a member of Bavaria’s conservative Christian Social Union, accused violent far-left groups and what he described as troublemakers from the immigrant community of hijacking peaceful protests. The statement, reported by Bild, intensified political tensions within the governing coalition.
A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the chancellor had endorsed Dobrindt’s interpretation. However, the Social Democratic defense minister disputed that account, exposing a sharp disagreement within the government over the causes of the unrest.
Sources: Le Monde International.