European protests over living costs, education and political leadership brought demonstrators onto the streets in France, Italy, Belgium and Albania on October 24, 2026. Clashes broke out in several cities, with French authorities estimating that 410,000 people took part across the country.

Key Takeaways

  • French officials counted 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, while the CGT union estimated turnout at nearly 800,000.
  • Italian rallies combined opposition to war with concerns about living costs; young protesters in Brussels called for better education conditions.
  • In Albania, protests have broadened into a campaign against corruption, public services and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government.

European protests draw largest crowds in France

France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 110,000 people joined the Paris march. It began peacefully but ended in clashes near Porte de Vincennes, where some protesters threw objects and police used tear gas and water cannons.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said 64 people were arrested in connection with the demonstration, including six minors, and 40 were placed in police custody. Up to 70,000 officers were deployed nationwide.

The movement began in September over staff shortages at a high school southeast of Paris. It has since grown to include students and workers calling for better education, higher wages and improved pensions.

Students are seeking more teachers, school repairs, increased grants and 250,000 additional higher-education places, as well as a rent freeze in public student housing. Education Ministry figures show that unreplaced teacher absences cost public middle and high schools 15.4 million teaching hours in the 2024–25 school year, or 7.5% of scheduled time.

Living costs have added to the pressure. National statistics agency INSEE said French energy prices rose 21.3% in September from a year earlier, while overall inflation reached 3.1%.

Clashes in Italy and Belgium

In Italy, police and demonstrators confronted one another in Turin, Rome and Bologna during rallies against war and rising living costs. Protests in Milan were largely peaceful. The gatherings followed violence the previous weekend, when clashes, looting and property damage were reported.

In Brussels, hundreds of mainly young demonstrators called for better education conditions. Police used tear gas and pepper spray during clashes. Brussels police said they temporarily detained nine people: five for disturbing public order and four over alleged possession of prohibited weapons and incitement to rioting.

Albanian protests broaden

Thousands gathered in Tirana for another anti-government demonstration. Police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets after some protesters threw stones at the education ministry.

The Albanian protests began in May over a luxury hotel project linked to US President Donald Trump’s family. The movement has since expanded to include demands for Rama to step down and complaints about corruption and public services. Authorities say more than 300 protesters and police officers have been injured during the unrest.

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