Halloween protests spread across Europe as Germany’s Gen Z takes to the streets

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 01, 2026

Photo Courtesy: AFP

Youth-led demonstrations over rising living costs, education funding and public services spread to Germany on Halloween, October 31, as tens of thousands joined rallies across major cities while France faced another weekend of protests.

In Germany, the movement known as “Gen Z regelt,” or “Gen Z has got this,” organized demonstrations in more than 30 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich.

Protesters raised concerns over the rising cost of living, underfunded schools and universities, environmental issues and the possibility of bringing back mandatory military service.

Organizers said the demonstrations were intended to give young people a voice in decisions affecting their future. They also urged participants to remain peaceful, even as some planned to wear Halloween costumes.

However, several demonstrations turned violent as the day progressed. Police deployed water cannons and riot officers in Cologne and Hamburg after some protesters reportedly set off fireworks, damaged property and threw objects at emergency personnel.

In Frankfurt, police reported that Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency responders and shop windows were smashed. Authorities also arrested a suspect following damage to a gun shop.

The German protests were part of a wider wave of demonstrations across Europe, particularly in France, where hundreds of thousands took to the streets for a third consecutive weekend to express frustration over living costs and deteriorating public services.

France’s Interior Ministry estimated that around 320,000 people joined Saturday’s demonstrations nationwide, including approximately 70,000 in Paris. Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to maintain security.

While many rallies remained peaceful, clashes and isolated incidents of violence were reported in several locations.

The demonstrations reflect growing frustration among younger generations over economic pressures, education and concerns about their future, with protesters demanding greater attention from political leaders.