"High probability of violence": Berlin and France prepare for youth protests and looting

Berlin and other European cities are preparing for youth protests inspired by recent riots in France and Italy. Business owners are boarding up shops for fear of looting. France has deployed 70,000 police officers, while clashes with police have already broken out in Italy.

The German capital, Berlin, is preparing on Saturday for youth protests that could escalate into violence, inspired by the riots in France and Italy about two weeks ago. The protests, under the banner 'Generation Z Leads', are expected to take place in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Munich, and other European cities as well. Business owners in Berlin have reinforced storefronts with wooden boards, and a convenience store chain announced the closure of all its branches in Germany. In France, 70,000 police officers have been deployed to prevent a repeat of the disturbances, and the French interior minister expressed 'very high concern about violence'. In Italy, clashes have already broken out between protesters, including radical left-wing elements, and police in Rome, Milan, and other cities. The protesters in Italy are demonstrating against the high cost of living and calling for reduced spending on security in favor of welfare. In southern Italy, farmers have blocked bridges and junctions due to the surge in diesel prices.