Protests in Europe

“Migrant milieu” and the Left blamed for the violence

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) told *Bild* that otherwise peaceful demonstrations in Germany were hijacked by certain groups. He pointed to “violent leftist groups and troublemakers from the migrant milieu.”

At the same time, he praised the police for their efforts, which he argued prevented the violence from reaching the same levels seen in Paris.

“I thank all the police officers for their successful operation,” said Dobrindt.

The so-called “Gen Z protests” spiraled out of control in several German cities on Saturday evening and into Sunday morning. In Frankfurt, shops were reportedly looted, and protesters allegedly attacked police and emergency services with firecrackers and Molotov cocktails. 

Portuguese protest camps stormed by police – several arrested and injured

Early Sunday morning, Portuguese riot police stormed protest camps in both Lisbon and Porto, according to several media outlets. Several people have been arrested, and many are reported to have been injured in the clashes.

The protesters, who are demonstrating against high housing costs, chanted slogans such as “dictatorship” at the police, according to AFP. Some also allegedly threw bottles and paint at the patrols, police stated.

There are reports that around ten police officers and ten protesters required hospital treatment following the incident. 

German "Gen Z" protests spiral out of control – reports of looting

The so-called "Gen Z protests," which took place across Germany on Saturday, spiraled out of control in several locations overnight, according to German media reports.

In Frankfurt, the protests remained peaceful for a long time, but as the evening progressed, reports emerged of shattered shop windows, looting, and firecrackers being thrown at police officers. On X, the police stated that Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency responders. There are also reports from Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg indicating that the protests turned violent at times.

The protests coincided with Halloween; an image of a person dressed as Batman posing in front of burning trash cans in central Frankfurt has circulated widely this morning.

The organizers had called for peaceful protests and, on Saturday, issued a statement condemning "all forms of violence," reports *Süddeutsche Zeitung*. Among other demands, the demonstrators are calling for more resources for schools and addiction services.