A wave of protests and social unrest has swept across several European countries, where thousands of people, mainly young people, have voiced opposition to government policies, economic inequality, corruption and difficulties finding housing.
France saw the largest demonstrations, accompanied by clashes with police, numerous arrests and injuries. Incidents were also reported in Spain, Italy, Albania, Portugal and Belgium.
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On Saturday, October 24, around 410,000 people took part in protests across France, while unions said the figure was higher. Around 70,000 police officers were deployed to manage the situation, and the number of arrests approached 1,000.
In Paris, where more than 100,000 demonstrators gathered, the situation escalated into clashes, objects being thrown, fires and attempted looting. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, while clashes also broke out in other cities.
Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulon and Grenoble saw arrests, property damage and injuries. Some groups erected barricades and clashed with officers. In Grenoble, eight police officers and seven protesters were reportedly injured.
In Tirana, Saturday’s protest on October 24 was also marked by episodes of violence. Demonstrators called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down, while student protests over education joined broader discontent with the government.
Protesters threw stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at police. Rubbish bins were set on fire in several areas, and public and private property was damaged. Flames also reached the buildings of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Tirana City Hall.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Around 2,500 officers were deployed, while authorities reported property damage and injuries.
Rallies were also held in Rome, Milan and Turin, Italy. In the capital, clashes were concentrated near Piazza della Repubblica, where police intervened to contain the situation.
A group of demonstrators tried to cross the security cordon to enter the Colosseum, but authorities removed them from the area. Students also joined the protests in Milan and Turin.
Barcelona saw protests and incidents, with around 100 people arrested, according to reports published by the media. More than 30 fires broke out in the streets, and 14 shops were damaged or looted.
Videos posted on social media showed an increased security presence near shopping areas after some groups tried to enter stores. Various organizers have described the movement as anti-establishment, while young participants have expressed dissatisfaction with economic and political conditions.
In Portugal, thousands of people protested in Lisbon and Porto against rising rents, financial difficulties and the housing crisis, which particularly affects young people.
Tensions rose overnight in Lisbon, where police moved to remove protesters’ camps from Rossio Square. Arrests and injuries were reported, and similar action was taken in Porto.
Demonstrations also took place in Belgium as part of the protests that have spread across several European countries.
Following Saturday’s events, French authorities and those in other countries continue to monitor the situation, with further protests expected.
Although the causes vary from country to country, the protests center on shared concerns, including the cost of living, economic inequality, education conditions and opposition to government policies.
France, where the demonstrations have grown large, has tightened security measures following the clashes and the high number of arrests. The clashes in Tirana and incidents in other European cities show that social tensions remain a challenge for the authorities.
