Third weekend of protests in France as youth-led rallies sweep Europe

Over the third weekend of protests in France, hundreds of thousands rallied in cities across the country, demanding action on living costs and education. The youth-led demonstrations were not limited to France, as similar protests erupted in Germany and Portugal on Saturday. While the majority of participants marched peacefully, some confrontations did occur, leading to arrests and clashes with law enforcement.

France's Interior Minister warned of a "very high risk" of disorder, prompting authorities to deploy over 70,000 police and gendarmes. The protests were rerouted to protect key areas in Paris, with authorities reporting more than 560 arrests by Saturday night. Mass demonstrations on October 17 and 24 drew 550,000 and 410,000 people, respectively, though organizers estimate larger turnout numbers.

Students, climate activists, and individuals frustrated by the cost of living joined forces in Paris, carrying signs such as "The Old are Fed Up Too." Corentin Cabreux, a 21-year-old student, expressed his discontent with living conditions in his state-run student residence, while an IT worker protested alongside her mother, who was struggling on a minimum wage.

The protests originated last month, sparked by neglected buildings, teacher shortages, and an unfair university admissions system. Labor unions and others opposed to President Emmanuel Macron's leadership joined the movement, demanding various reforms. On Saturday, a large crowd marched through Paris, but clashes erupted where the demonstration ended, with some protesters throwing objects at police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

In Germany, the youth-led initiative "Gen Z regelt" organized protests in over 30 cities, focusing on education, health, climate protection, and affordable living. In Berlin, students gathered at Brandenburg Gate, demanding increased investments in social services, education, and climate protection. Rioting broke out in some German cities, with protesters smashing storefronts and stealing goods, as well as attacking police with stones and bottles.

Elsewhere in Europe, people gathered to protest against the housing crisis and call for a better future. In Lisbon, Portugal, thousands peacefully demonstrated, holding placards that read "Houses or Fire" and "We are not Afraid." In The Hague, Netherlands, a strong police presence was present during the protests, with no major disturbances reported by midafternoon.