Gen Z protests: Riots in several German cities: According to Dobrindt, violent excesses like those in Paris were prevented

Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne. After the serious riots and looting on Sunday night, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced consistent action against the perpetrators.

Dobrindt told the “Bild” newspaper: “Excesses of violence like those in Paris were prevented thanks to our highly committed police forces.” The police operational concept with a massive presence and decentralized deployment of forces worked. “Violent left-wing groups and chaotic people from the migrant milieu hijacked the peaceful afternoon demonstrations yesterday evening.” The rioters and looters would be identified and held accountable. “This breach of the peace must be followed by severe punishments.”

The Halloween rallies organized by the campaign were planned in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. Among other things, demonstrations were made for better education, lower costs of living and the abolition of conscription.

The number of participants probably fell well short of the organizers' expectations. Official figures from Saturday afternoon suggested attendance was below the 182,000 originally expected. Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin reported up to 18,000 protesters, half of the roughly 36,000 listed on the organizers' website.