Protests by Gen Z youth have spread across several European countries, accompanied by clashes with law enforcement, property damage and mass arrests. The demonstrations, held over demands related to education, living conditions and the economic crisis, have included France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and Albania.
In France, more than 320,000 people took to the streets on Saturday, in protests held in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse. According to data, more than 770 people were arrested. The situation escalated in Paris, where incendiary devices were thrown at a group of gendarmes and police officers. For this incident, the prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into attempted murder of persons exercising public authority.
In Germany too, the demonstrations ended with serious incidents. In Frankfurt, groups of masked individuals attacked and damaged 17 shops, five of which were looted. Molotov cocktails were also used during the unrest, while more than 100 police officers were injured. Across the country, more than 100,000 people marched in over 30 cities under the slogan “Gen Z regelt” (“Gen Z sorts it out”), demanding changes to the education system and a reduction in the cost of living.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, police intervened to disperse protesters’ camps in Lisbon and Porto, set up as part of opposition to the housing crisis. Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of a draft law that makes it easier to evict tenants and removes restrictions on rents for new contracts.
Clashes were also recorded in Switzerland, where unauthorized protests in Zurich and Basel ended with police using tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. Protesters responded to officers with stones, bottles and fireworks, while damage to shops and vehicles was reported.
In Albania, young people demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, protesting against corruption allegations. The gathering was accompanied by stones and Molotov cocktails thrown at police, as well as the burning of rubbish bins. According to the Ministry of Interior, 350 people were injured during the protests, including 200 police officers, while 269 minors were arrested.