Protests turn violent in France and Germany as unrest spreads
Demonstrations over education and living costs led to looting and clashes with police in several countries.
Protesters in France and Germany took to the streets on Saturday, with demonstrations in Germany turning violent through looting and the use of petrol bombs, according to reports from Hindustan Times and Deccan Chronicle.
In France, the government estimated that 3,20,000 people participated in nationwide protests over education and living costs. This was a decrease from 5,50,000 protesters on October 17 and 4,10,000 on October 24.
Unrest broke out near Porte de Charenton in Paris, where protesters launched fireworks and glass bottles, while police used tear gas and stun grenades. French authorities reported that over 560 people were arrested nationwide by Saturday night.
In Germany, thousands joined youth-led protests across approximately 34 cities, including Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, hooded rioters looted shops and clashed with police by throwing stones and petrol bombs.
Frankfurt police reported that several shop windows were smashed and Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency forces. Police in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin reported around 18,000 protesters, while organisers' website listed roughly 36,000.
In Portugal, demonstrators in Lisbon protested against the housing crisis, demanding the government scrap a bill that makes evictions easier. In the Netherlands, heavy police forces were present in The Hague following fears of looting.