Nov 01, Kathmandu - Violence broke out in Cologne, Frankfurt and other German cities as thousands of young people took to the streets in 34 cities to press for a range of demands.

Organizers said more than 120,000 young people joined the demonstrations, though the figure has not been officially confirmed. Most protests remained peaceful during the day, but clashes and vandalism were reported in several locations by evening.

Protesters called for increased school funding, action to curb rising living costs, social justice and stronger climate protections. They also opposed a possible plan to reintroduce compulsory military service.

Police stopped scheduled marches in Cologne and Stuttgart after some demonstrators covered their faces and set off firecrackers. In Cologne, participants gathered along the Rhine and continued their rally.

Near Cologne Cathedral on Saturday, a group of about 200 people allegedly threw bottles and bicycles at police. One person was injured and five were arrested, police said. An electric scooter thrown into a nearby alley also smashed a window.

Clashes in the city’s southern district involved groups beyond the Gen Z demonstrators, according to reports. Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns said violent acts had overshadowed the peaceful protest.

In Frankfurt, police closed the city’s main shopping street, Die Zeil, after reports of shop vandalism, looting and attacks on officers. Police urged the public to leave the area and blocked further access.

German news agency DPA reported that some people broke into shops and stole shoes and other goods. Police said a weapons shop was also targeted and that incendiary objects were thrown at officers.

Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck said several police officers were injured in the clashes. He alleged that about 100 far-left attackers threw bottles, stones and firecrackers. Police used water cannons to regain control, he said. Authorities are investigating reports that one officer may have been seriously injured.

In Hamburg, police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators after firecrackers were thrown at officers in Steintor Square. One officer sustained minor injuries during clashes in Bonn.

In Berlin, a separate march took place alongside the official event. Police initially reported that a group of around 500 people threw eggs and bottles. They later said the crowd had grown to about 3,000, with firecrackers also set off.