Paris: Several European countries witnessed a fresh wave of demonstrations on Saturday, October 24, as people took to the streets over rising living costs, pensions, housing affordability, education, corruption and opposition to war. Protests were reported in France, Albania, Italy, Spain and Portugal, with clashes between demonstrators and police in some locations.
Authorities stepped up security arrangements following violence during earlier demonstrations, deploying additional police personnel and, in certain areas, soldiers, according to reports.
The scale and nature of the protests varied across countries, ranging from anti-government demonstrations to campaigns demanding pension reforms and affordable housing.
France Protests: Nearly 1,000 Arrests Reported
France witnessed one of the largest security operations during the demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people had been arrested by the time of his briefing, adding that the figure could rise further.
The French government estimated that around 410,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, while organisers put the turnout at approximately 800,000.
In Paris, authorities said the demonstration along the Cours de Vincennes had been dispersed following confrontations between protesters and law enforcement personnel. Police used water cannons and tear gas after projectiles were thrown at officers.
The prefectural police also said a gendarmerie helicopter had been deployed to assist ground units in locating groups involved in the violence. More than 500 people described by police as rioters were reportedly present towards the end of the demonstration.
Nuñez contrasted the latest arrest figures with the previous Saturday, when 385 arrests had been recorded by the same time amid incidents of violence and looting.
Jean-Luc Melenchon Criticises Police Response
French left-wing leader and presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon criticised the police response in Paris. In posts on X, he accused authorities and sections of the media of portraying the protest movement negatively by focusing on clashes rather than peaceful demonstrations.
Melenchon alleged that police tactics had contributed to disorder and claimed that television coverage was being used to shape public perceptions of the demonstrations. These allegations were his assessment of the events and were not independently established in the supplied report.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation during a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday local time. He attributed the unrest in France to the country’s immigration policies and argued that people who, in his view, disliked France should not be allowed to enter the country.
Albania: Anti-Government Protests In Tirana
In Albania, thousands of people gathered in the capital, Tirana, for another round of anti-government demonstrations. Students, artists and political groups were among those involved in the growing opposition movement.
Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators as confrontations continued. Reports also said government buildings were attacked and dozens of protesters detained.
Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police personnel had been injured, according to the supplied account.
Italy: Demonstrations In Six Major Cities
Italy saw thousands of people take part in demonstrations across Milan, Rome, Turin, Naples, Bologna and Florence. Some protesters reportedly threw bottles, stones and firecrackers during the rallies.
Italian police said nine people had been arrested and 371 briefly detained during demonstrations across eight cities. Of those taken to police stations, 110 were minors, the police statement said.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked law enforcement personnel for managing security and protecting the right to peaceful protest. She said the right to demonstrate must be balanced with the public’s right to live safely in their cities.
Meloni also referred to measures approved by the Council of Ministers, saying they were intended to strengthen the authorities’ ability to prevent violence and maintain public order.
Spain Protests Focus On Pension Reforms
In Spain, demonstrators in Madrid called for pension increases to reflect actual inflation and demanded higher minimum pensions aligned with the minimum wage.
Protesters also sought measures to narrow the gender pension gap and safeguards against the privatisation of the public pension system. The demands placed pension adequacy and long-term security at the centre of the demonstrations.
Portugal: Affordable Housing Takes Centre Stage
Affordable housing emerged as a key issue in Portugal, where demonstrators took to the streets amid concerns over rising housing costs.
The protests reflected a wider debate over the affordability of homes and the financial pressures faced by residents. Housing was one of several economic concerns driving demonstrations across Europe, alongside living expenses and pension security.
Why Are Protests Taking Place Across Europe?
Although the demonstrations differed in their immediate demands, the issues raised included the cost of living, housing affordability, pensions, education, corruption and opposition to war. In some countries, protests also reflected dissatisfaction with governments and their handling of public concerns.
The reported clashes and arrests have brought public order and policing into focus. At the same time, political leaders and demonstrators have highlighted competing concerns over security, the right to peaceful assembly and the demands motivating people to take to the streets.
