Soziales: Krawalle bei Protesten in Europa - neue Blockaden geplant

Across several European countries, protests have erupted over rising living costs and the need for improved education. Demonstrations in France, Switzerland, Austria, Albania, and Portugal have been marred by violence. In France, approximately 320,000 people took to the streets, with 70,000 in Paris alone. The previous Saturday saw a reported 410,000 participants, though organizers claimed nearly half a million.

Demonstrations began peacefully in most cities but turned violent by day's end as clashes with security forces ensued. In Paris, around 780 people were arrested, and numerous fires were reported, along with 36 damaged businesses and three robberies. Additionally, one gendarme was reportedly burned after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a barricade.

French student and student organizations, unions, and the Yellow Vest movement have announced new actions for the following week, including a nationwide general strike on Thursday. In Switzerland, violent protests also took place. In Zürich, several hundred demonstrators, some wearing masks, gathered, setting fires to containers and setting one car ablaze.

Authorities reported that police faced pyrotechnics, bottles, and stones from the demonstrators. They responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. The situation later calmed down. In Basel, around 150 people protested, setting barricades on fire. In Vienna, police were on high alert to prevent unrest during assemblies.

However, isolated incidents occurred, with several police officers charged with improper use of pyrotechnics or suspicion of damaging property. One suspect allegedly attempted to damage a parked police car with flammable liquid. Six individuals were arrested in Portugal, with 13 protestors and 13 police officers injured. A police officer allegedly drew his service weapon during a Porto protest.

In Albania, clashes occurred in the capital, Tirana. Students and schoolchildren set trash containers on fire and hurled Molotov cocktails and stones at the police. Tear gas and water cannons were deployed. Six people were taken into custody. Saturday marked the 19th consecutive day of youth protests in Tirana, demanding more state resources for schools and universities, better educational and vocational opportunities, and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.