Tear gas, troops and burning barricades: Europe faces another weekend of unrest

Widespread protests swept across several European countries over the weekend, with demonstrators taking to the streets over rising living costs, housing shortages, education funding and government policies, prompting clashes with police, mass arrests and heightened security measures.

France witnessed some of the largest demonstrations on Saturday, with nearly 1,000 people arrested amid confrontations between protesters and security forces. Italy deployed additional soldiers, while demonstrations also took place in Spain, Portugal, Albania and Belgium.

Although many rallies remained peaceful, violence erupted in several cities as protesters clashed with police, erected barricades and damaged public property.

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀

In France, the Interior Ministry estimated that approximately 410,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, while trade unions placed the figure closer to 800,000.

Around 110,000 protesters gathered in Paris, according to government estimates, demanding action against rising living costs, economic inequality and deteriorating public services.

Authorities deployed approximately 70,000 police personnel across the country to prevent a repeat of the previous weekend's violence.

Despite the extensive security arrangements, clashes broke out in Paris, Marseille and other cities after largely peaceful demonstrations during the day.

In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse groups of protesters who allegedly threw projectiles and attempted to erect barricades.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people had been arrested, with the number expected to rise as authorities compiled further reports.

The demonstrations have intensified pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government amid public dissatisfaction over economic conditions and government policies.

𝗜𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers in Milan following violence and looting during earlier demonstrations.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Milan, Rome and Turin over low wages, rising energy bills, public services and government policies.

While the Milan demonstration remained largely peaceful, clashes erupted in Rome and Turin, where police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Italian police reported nine arrests and 371 temporary detentions across eight cities, including 110 minors.

Several luxury stores in Milan boarded up their windows amid fears of renewed violence, while authorities intensified surveillance and security checks.

𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

In Barcelona, approximately 100 people were arrested after groups of demonstrators vandalised shops and set fire to street furniture near Plaça de Catalunya.

Catalonia's Interior Minister Núria Parlon said more than 30 fires were reported and 14 stores were vandalised or looted. Around one-fourth of those arrested were minors.

Meanwhile, more than 25,000 demonstrators gathered in Madrid to demand reforms to Spain's pension system.

𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗹

Thousands marched through Lisbon and other Portuguese cities demanding affordable housing and stronger protection for tenants.

Demonstrators opposed government proposals concerning rent regulations and evictions, arguing that rising property prices and housing costs were placing increasing pressure on households.

Unlike the violent incidents reported elsewhere, the demonstrations in Portugal largely centred on housing affordability.

𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮, 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀

In Albania, students and anti-government protesters gathered in Tirana demanding lower tuition fees, greater investment in education and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Some demonstrators threw stones and fireworks, while police used water cannons to disperse crowds. More than 2,500 officers were deployed in the capital.

In Brussels, Belgian police used tear gas and water cannons to clear student barricades amid concerns over further unrest.

At least five people were arrested, although authorities reported no major incidents.

The demonstrations across Europe have been driven by different national grievances, including housing shortages, education funding, pensions, wages and opposition to government policies.

While authorities have strengthened security arrangements, the continued protests have highlighted the challenge of maintaining public order while addressing growing economic and social dissatisfaction.