World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Cost-of-living protests bring violence and arrests across Europe
Protests over living costs and public services spread across Europe on Halloween weekend, including in France, Germany and Italy.
In France, student demonstrations over education grew into wider protests over living costs and social security, drawing in unions and the Yellow Vests movement.
About 320,000 people protested in France, including 70,000 in Paris, and authorities reported more than 560 arrests on Saturday night.
The protests have also brought damage to shops and public buildings, while French officials say they will strengthen protections for businesses and bar demonstrations from city centres.
In Germany, Gen Z regelt organized protests in more than 30 cities over schools, climate protection and housing, as well as opposition to a plan to bring back compulsory military service.
Some demonstrations turned violent, with reports of shop break-ins and clashes with police in Frankfurt.
Italy has sent 500 soldiers to Milan through the end of the year after earlier looting and clashes, while tens of thousands also demonstrated in Rome and other cities.
Protests over the cost of living and public services took place across Europe on Saturday, with violence and arrests reported in several countries.
In France, about 320,000 people demonstrated, including 70,000 in Paris, and authorities reported more than 560 arrests.
In Germany, demonstrations were organized in more than 30 cities; most were peaceful, but violence and looting were reported in Frankfurt.
In Italy, tens of thousands joined demonstrations on Friday, which were mostly peaceful, while police used water cannons at times.
Authorities increased security after recent unrest, including deploying 70,000 police in France and 500 soldiers in Milan.
- Who
- Protesters, including students, workers and Gen Z campaigners, took part. Police and government authorities responded.
- What
- Demonstrations over living costs and public services included clashes, looting and arrests in some places.
- When
- Saturday, during Halloween, with demonstrations also reported in Italy on Friday.
- Where
- France, Germany and Italy, including Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, Rome and Milan.
- Why
- Protests were driven by high living costs and poor public services. Demonstrators also raised concerns about education, social security, climate protection, housing and conscription.
Protesters
Government and police authorities
Main concerns
Protesters
Protesters called for action on living costs and public services, and raised demands related to education, social security, climate protection and housing.
Government and police authorities
Authorities focused on preventing violence, protecting businesses and managing demonstrations.
Demonstrations
Protesters
Demonstrators gathered in cities across France, Germany and Italy.
Government and police authorities
French officials said demonstrations in city centres would not be allowed, while police in several countries deployed additional personnel.
Protests in France began after Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron launched budget talks for 2027.
French police arrested 1,300 people after about 410,000 people took to the streets across several cities.
Tens of thousands demonstrated in Rome and other Italian cities; the protests were mostly peaceful.
Demonstrations took place across France and Germany, with violence and arrests reported in some locations.
- France demonstrations
- About 320,000 people nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris
- France police deployment
- 70,000 officers on Saturday
- France arrests
- More than 560 on Saturday night
- Germany demonstrations
- More than 30 cities
- Frankfurt police deployment
- 1,500 additional officers in Berlin; police reported looting and attacks in Frankfurt
- Milan security
- 500 soldiers deployed alongside police through the end of the year
What people are saying
Everyone is on alert to ensure a very firm response to any problem.
We all have images of France in mind: looting, burning houses, burning police vehicles, and attacks on police officers.