A wave of demonstrations swept across Europe on Saturday, October 24, with nearly 1,000 arrests in France, violent clashes in Spain, Italy and Belgium, and renewed anti-government protests in Albania, as public anger over rising living costs, education funding and government policies continued to grow.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched through French cities, while protesters elsewhere confronted police, set fires and damaged businesses. Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes in several countries prompted additional security measures and warnings of further unrest.
The protests reflect different national grievances rather than a single coordinated European movement, although student organizations and activists have increasingly drawn inspiration from demonstrations in neighboring countries.
France sees nearly 1,000 arrests
France experienced the largest mobilization, with approximately 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry. The CGT trade union estimated participation at nearly 800,000.
In Paris, police counted 110,000 protesters, compared with 250,000 reported by unions.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people had been arrested following confrontations between police and groups of protesters. Two people suffered serious injuries in Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand.
The government deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes, helping prevent a repetition of the widespread looting recorded on October 17. However, clashes continued in Paris, Marseille and other cities, while far-right and far-left groups confronted each other in Nice and Lille.
Protests spread across Europe
In Spain, Barcelona authorities initially reported approximately 100 arrests following disturbances around Plaza de Catalunya. More recent figures published Sunday by El País put the number at 128, including 72 minors, with 23 businesses damaged or looted and 33 fires reported.
Police are investigating how the disturbances were organized through social media platforms and whether additional incidents were planned.
Italy also experienced demonstrations in Rome, Turin, Florence and other cities, with protesters demanding measures against rising prices, low wages and increased military spending.
In Rome, a group attempted to enter the Colosseum before being removed by security personnel. Other student demonstrations concluded peacefully.
In Brussels, police used tear gas and pepper spray during confrontations with young protesters demanding increased education funding. Nine people were detained in connection with public disorder and other alleged offenses.
Albania’s protests intensify as more demonstrations are planned
Albania experienced another day of serious unrest on Saturday as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tirana demanding better education, action against corruption and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Students, university professors and opposition supporters participated in rallies outside the prime minister’s office and the Education Ministry.
Police deployed approximately 2,500 officers and used tear gas and water cannons after protesters attacked government buildings. Authorities reported dozens of detentions, while more than 300 demonstrators and police officers have reportedly been injured during the broader wave of unrest since mid-October.
Students have demanded lower university fees, increased public investment and reforms addressing alleged corruption in education. Rama has offered dialogue with demonstrators but excluded participants involved in violence.
Demonstrations to continue
Organizers have announced another demonstration outside the Education Ministry at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 25, signaling that the mobilization will continue despite police intervention.
In France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is expected to meet representatives of students, teachers, trade unions and other organizations on Monday, October 26, to discuss the demands fueling the protests.
French unions and Yellow Vest organizers are also preparing nationwide demonstrations and strike action for November 5.
Meanwhile, Italy faces further mobilizations from October 29 through October 31, including a nationwide general strike scheduled for Friday, October 30, which could disrupt transportation and other public services.
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