Protests sweep Europe over living costs

PARIS, Nov 1: A wave of youth-led protests over rising living costs, education, housing and public services swept across several European countries over the Halloween weekend, with demonstrations turning violent in parts of France, Germany, Albania and Portugal as police moved to contain unrest.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday, marking another weekend of demonstrations that have spread across the continent. France remained at the centre of the unrest, with protests also reported in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania and the Netherlands.

In France, the government estimated that around 320,000 people joined demonstrations nationwide on Saturday, including approximately 70,000 in Paris. Authorities deployed around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to maintain security.

The demonstrations, initially driven by students demanding better educational facilities, improved public services and affordable living conditions, have attracted labour unions and other groups frustrated by economic pressures and government policies.

Although most marches remained peaceful, clashes erupted in Paris after organised demonstrations ended. Police used tear gas to disperse groups of protesters, while some shops were targeted and officers were injured. France's Interior Ministry reported 779 arrests by Saturday night, according to the Associated Press.

Amid renewed unrest, French authorities imposed nighttime restrictions in parts of Paris, barring access to Place de la République and the Les Halles area between 11pm and 6am on Saturday and Sunday.

Authorities also imposed a separate 9pm curfew on unaccompanied minors around the Champs-Élysées. The restrictions were introduced as officials sought to prevent further clashes, looting and damage to businesses.

The measures followed earlier demonstrations that brought hundreds of thousands of people onto French streets, with the October 17 rallies marked by widespread rioting and looting.

In Germany, youth-led demonstrations under the slogan "Gen Z regelt" took place in more than 30 cities, demanding greater investment in education, healthcare, housing and climate protection, while opposing a possible return to compulsory military service.

More than 100,000 people demonstrated across the country, according to the Associated Press. While most rallies were peaceful, violence later broke out in Frankfurt, where rioters attacked police and looted shops. Clashes were also reported in Berlin and Cologne.

In Portugal, thousands marched through Lisbon to protest against rising housing costs and proposed changes to rental laws. Police moved into Rossio Square early Sunday to dismantle a protest camp, removing dozens of tents and dispersing demonstrators.

In Albania, anti-government demonstrations in the capital Tirana also turned violent, with protesters throwing petrol bombs at police.

Meanwhile, protests over housing and economic pressures continued in Spain and Italy. In the Netherlands, authorities maintained a heavy police presence in The Hague amid concerns about possible disturbances, although no major unrest was reported.

The latest demonstrations highlight growing frustration among young people and other sections of European society over the cost of living, housing affordability, education and public services. Further protests and strikes are expected in France in the coming days, with unions and student groups planning additional demonstrations.
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