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Europe in flames: 1,000 arrests in France, riots in Albania, looting in Barcelona, protesters storm the Colosseum

Massive protests and widespread unrest have come to define the European landscape, with violent clashes erupting in multiple countries. Demonstrations that began a month ago centered around Paris schools and grievances over France’s education system…

Europe in flames: 1,000 arrests in France, riots in Albania, looting in Barcelona, protesters storm the Colosseum
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Massive protests and widespread unrest have come to define the European landscape, with violent clashes erupting in multiple countries. Demonstrations that began a month ago centered around Paris schools and grievances over France’s education system have since spiraled into a continent-wide movement, spreading to Spain, Italy, Albania, Portugal, and Belgium — all united by anger over the cost of living, economic inequality, and political discontent.

Read also: Analysis: Why Europe is boiling — the causes behind the protests, the movements, and the elections that threaten to reshape the balance of power

1,000 arrests in France and clashes with police

On Saturday, October 24, more than 400,000 people took to the streets across France, with arrests approaching 1,000 and approximately 70,000 police officers deployed nationwide. In Paris, where more than 100,000 protesters (according to government figures) flooded the streets, clashes broke out with police, while incidents of arson and looting were recorded in other cities across the country.

Stores looted in Barcelona — protests in Italy as demonstrators storm the Colosseum

The unrest spread to Spain, where in Barcelona around 100 people were arrested, more than 30 fires were set to objects in the streets, and 14 stores were damaged or looted. In Italy, demonstrations took place in Rome, Milan, and Turin, with clashes between police and protesters in the Italian capital, where a group of demonstrators even managed to storm the Colosseum.




In Albania, fresh clashes erupted in Tirana, where protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Security forces reportedly deployed tear gas and rubber bullets, while a fire broke out at the entrance of the Ministry of Environment during the violence. Demonstrations were also recorded in Belgium, while in Portugal young people have been staging protests over economic and political grievances.

European authorities remain on high alert for further demonstrations on Sunday, October 25, as the discontent that started in French classrooms has taken on a far broader dimension.

Paris: Over 100,000 in the streets, clashes, and hundreds of arrests nationwide

Looking at events in greater detail, the French capital saw the day’s largest gathering, with approximately 110,000 protesters according to the Interior Ministry, while trade unions claimed participation reached 250,000. Nationally, authorities reported 410,000 participants, with unions putting the figure closer to 800,000.



The Paris march was marked by clashes between demonstrators and police, with projectiles and fireworks hurled at officers. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, while fires broke out in some areas and looting attempts were reported.

Many shops had boarded up their windows in advance, while museums remained closed for fear of incidents. Similar scenes unfolded in Marseille, where authorities had significantly reinforced security measures.

Clashes from Bordeaux to Grenoble — demonstrations defy local bans

The protests spread to dozens of French cities with varying intensity and turnout. In Bordeaux, more than 15,000 people gathered despite bans in the city center. Groups of demonstrators clashed with police, erected barricades, set fire to bins, and attempted to break into the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The city recorded 44 arrests, three injuries, and damage to eight businesses.



In Nantes, where protesters threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks at officers, at least 70 arrests were made as authorities prevented stores from being looted. In Toulon, 64 people were arrested, 20 of whom were taken into police custody.



In Metz, around 1,500 people joined a march, while a group of 200 masked individuals sparked clashes resulting in seven arrests, including three minors. In Chambéry, approximately 1,500 protesters staged an unauthorized march that temporarily closed a motorway and led to clashes with police.

In Annecy, 20 arrests were made and one gendarme was injured, while in Vannes and Lorient unauthorized gatherings drew 1,200 and 1,600 participants respectively. In Lorient, six suspects were arrested carrying sledgehammers, bolt cutters, and smoke grenades.

In Grenoble, around 10,300 people took part in two separate marches, with police reporting that a group of 400 masked individuals caused widespread destruction. One store was looted, ten other buildings were damaged or targeted in looting attempts, and eight police officers and seven demonstrators were injured. In Montpellier, approximately 6,300 people participated in a demonstration that was accompanied by thrown projectiles, tear gas deployment, eight arrests, and two police officers injured.

Albania: Fierce clashes in Tirana, ministries set on fire, calls for Rama’s resignation

Particularly serious clashes erupted in Tirana, where student protests escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The protests began on Saturday afternoon outside the Ministry of Education, with demonstrators calling for lower tuition fees, greater state funding for education, and action against corruption. Tensions gradually shifted to Skanderbeg Square, the Prime Minister’s office, and other parts of the capital.

Masked demonstrators hurled stones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails at police officers, while tearing up paving stones, erecting barricades, and setting fire to rubbish bins.



Fires broke out at the Ministry of Environment, the entrances of the Ministry of Agriculture and Tirana’s city hall, while banks, bus stops, and other facilities sustained damage. According to Albanian public broadcaster, a police officer caught fire during the clashes and colleagues rushed to his aid.



Security forces deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, with around 2,500 officers stationed across the capital’s streets.

The demonstrations are rooted in widespread anger over unemployment, corruption, the state of the education system, and government policy — representing one of the most significant challenges to Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013.

Italy: Colosseum stormed and clashes erupt in Rome

In Rome, tensions peaked when a group of protesters breached the Colosseum’s security perimeter and entered the ancient arena before being removed by authorities.




Clashes broke out near Piazza della Repubblica, where riot police wielding shields and batons attempted to contain demonstrators, also deploying a water cannon.

Authorities reinforced security around the Circus Maximus, Piazza del Popolo, and major shopping streets lined with luxury stores. Demonstrations also took place in Milan and Turin, where hundreds of students and young people participated peacefully, distancing themselves from the groups responsible for the violence.

Spain: 100 arrests, dozens of fires, and looting in Barcelona

In Barcelona, around 100 people were arrested following clashes, arson attacks, and the looting of stores.



According to Catalonia’s Interior Minister, Núria Parlon, 25% of those arrested were minors, while more than 30 fires were set in the streets and 14 stores were damaged or looted.

Videos circulating on social media showed customers trapped inside the El Corte Inglés department store after security shutters were lowered to prevent groups of would-be looters from entering.



On social media, some organizers described the movement as “anti-establishment,” using the slogan “Institut Indignats,” inspired by the French student movement “Lycées Indignes.”

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