Germany's interior minister has attributed a weekend of riots and looting during protests to 'violent Left-wing groups and troublemakers from the migrant community.' Tens of thousands across Germany participated in demonstrations organized by the campaign group 'Gen Z regelt' ('Gen Z takes charge'), which called for better education funding, policies against the rising cost of living, climate action, and a halt to conscription.
Alexander Dobrindt, the interior minister, vowed severe punishments for those involved, stating that "The rioters and looters will be identified and held accountable." He credited the police response with preventing violence on the scale seen in Paris.
While the majority of the protests were peaceful, disturbances occurred in cities including Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne. In Frankfurt, masked individuals threw fireworks, stones, bottles, and petrol bombs, injuring over 100 police officers and looting at least five shops, with 17 damaged. Frankfurt police estimated between 1,000 and 1,500 violent individuals, predominantly of migrant background, were involved. Of the 54 people arrested, aged between 13 and 29, most were German citizens, though many involved in the disturbances had migrant backgrounds.
The 'Gen Z regelt' group stated they had no influence over events after demonstrations concluded and emphasized their original goals.
Meanwhile, in France, student protests continued after the autumn break, with some high schools being blocked. This follows nationwide demonstrations over the past three weekends concerning the rising cost of living and inequality. During recent clashes in France, petrol bombs were thrown at police, with one officer suffering burns. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the attacks as 'attempted murder' and is investigating.
Organizers claimed nearly half a million people participated in French protests, with the interior ministry reporting 320,000 nationwide. Groups reportedly attempted vandalism and looting in cities like Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseille. Overnight curfews were imposed in some Paris neighborhoods, and approximately 70,000 police officers were deployed.
Further unrest was reported in Portugal, where hundreds protested a government housing bill that could make evictions easier and remove rent caps. Police dismantled protest camps in Lisbon and Porto. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed willingness to amend the bill but not withdraw it.
In Albania, demonstrations in Tirana escalated into violence, with masked protesters throwing projectiles and setting fires. Police arrested nearly 270 minors. These protests, initially focused on luxury resort construction, have broadened to include calls for the prime minister's resignation and grievances over healthcare and youth opportunities.