The Europe protests over the cost of living reached a new pitch this weekend, as anger over rising prices and crumbling public services rolled across the continent. On Saturday, October 31, hundreds of thousands of people, many of them students and young workers, marched in France, Germany and Portugal. Most rallies were peaceful, but clashes broke out in Paris, Frankfurt, Cologne and Berlin, and police arrested hundreds of people in several countries.
France alone deployed around 70,000 police officers nationwide, while in Germany a youth movement calling itself "Gen Z regelt" ("Gen Z's got this") brought more than 100,000 people onto the streets.
How It Started
The French movement began about a month ago at a high school on the outskirts of Paris, over poor school conditions. It quickly broadened into a wider protest about the cost of living, education funding and public services. The first major day of action, on October 17, saw a city hall set on fire and widespread looting of shops in several cities. A second weekend of protests on October 24 also turned violent.
Saturday marked the third big day of protests in a month. French authorities said turnout was lower than the previous weekend and the violence, while serious, was less severe than on October 17.
France: Molotov Cocktails and Tear Gas
In Paris, marchers largely kept to the outer boulevards, with some dressed in Halloween costumes. But at the end of one march on the city's eastern edge, rioters threw Molotov cocktails at police. Several officers were injured and a car was set alight. Near a viewpoint across from the Eiffel Tower, masked groups fired fireworks at officers, prompting repeated police charges as tourists scrambled for cover.
There were also incidents in Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, where water cannon were used. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez called the violence "extraordinary" and described a petrol bomb attack on a riot officer as "attempted murder".
Germany: Peaceful Day, Violent Night
Germany's protests were mostly calm during the day. Young people marched in dozens of cities demanding more investment in education, housing and climate protection, and a more affordable daily life. After dark, the mood changed in some places.
In Frankfurt, rioters attacked police and looted stores in the city centre. Police said more than 100 officers were injured, 54 people aged between 13 and 29 were detained, and 17 shops were damaged. In Cologne, police used water cannon to disperse protesters throwing fireworks, and in Berlin officers were attacked with bottles and pyrotechnics.
Hesse state premier Boris Rhein said he was shocked and promised the Frankfurt violence would not go unpunished. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt blamed violent groups who he said had hijacked peaceful protests and vowed that rioters would be identified. The organisers of Gen Z regelt distanced themselves from the violence, saying it came from people who were not part of their demonstrations.
Portugal and Beyond
In Portugal, weeks of protests over housing costs, inspired by a similar movement in neighbouring Spain, continued with thousands marching in Lisbon. Riot police cleared a few hundred people who had camped overnight in Rossio Square early on Sunday. Authorities in Spain and Italy were also on alert after calls for action online and recent clashes in Milan, Turin and Bologna.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Main protest day | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Countries hit | France, Germany, Portugal (alerts in Spain, Italy) |
| Main demands | Affordable living, housing, education funding, public services |
| French police deployed | About 70,000 nationwide |
| Germany turnout | More than 100,000, mostly young people |
| Frankfurt toll | 100+ officers injured, 54 detained, 17 shops damaged |
| Earlier violent days in France | October 17 and October 24 |
| Next big dates | Student actions Tuesday and Thursday; French union march Nov 5 |
Why It Matters for India
Europe is home to a large Indian diaspora, including tens of thousands of Indian students in France and Germany. For students and travellers, the immediate advice is practical: avoid protest routes, keep an eye on local police and embassy advisories, and plan travel around announced protest days.
There is a wider economic angle too. Unrest in Europe's two biggest economies comes at a time of fragile growth and high prices, and prolonged disruption could affect trade, tourism and investment flows that matter for Indian businesses.
What Happens Next
French high schools reopen on Monday after the autumn break, and police expect fresh demonstrations. Student groups have called for blockades of schools and universities on Tuesday and Thursday, and trade unions have planned a demonstration on November 5. In Germany, officials are bracing for more action as investigations into the Frankfurt riots begin. Whether governments respond with concessions or tougher policing could decide how long this movement lasts.
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