Merkel defends decision to host G-20 in Hamburg after rioting

Hamburg

CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel defended the decision to host the Group of Twenty (G-20) summit in Germany's second-biggest city, promising government compensation for property damage in the wake of looting and rioting by anti-capitalist activists in Hamburg.

Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day summit, Mrs Merkel told reporters that, purely from a logistical point of view, the gathering had to be held in a large city, given the sheer number of leaders and guests needing accommodation. Hamburg was also chosen as a symbol of openness to trade because the city of 1.7 million is Germany's largest port and richest state per capita.

Instead, the image left in the minds of many average Germans was one of violent clashes, which left more than 200 police injured and resulted in about 260 protesters being detained. Scenes of chaos, looting and burned-out cars have played out live on German television since Th…