Attempted murder probe after petrol bomb thrown at French riot police

The protests, which began as demonstrations against education systems and deteriorating public services, deteriorated into violence across multiple European countries. In France, the violence was particularly severe, with officials reporting that masked rioters attacked police after an estimated 320,000 demonstrators, some in Halloween costumes, participated in peaceful rallies.

In Paris, the prosecutor's office confirmed that incendiary devices were thrown at a group of about 15 gendarmes and police officers, leading to second-degree burns in some cases. This incident prompted a formal investigation for "attempted murder of persons vested with public authority." More than 770 people were arrested across France for public order offenses.

German violence

Germany also experienced significant unrest, particularly in Frankfurt, where looters and rioters damaged stores and injured over 100 police officers. The violence occurred during protests by the "Gen Z regelt" (Gen Z will sort it) campaign, which saw more than 100,000 people march in over 30 cities demanding better education and lower living costs.

Roman Poseck, Hesse's state interior minister, reported that 17 Frankfurt shops were damaged, with five being looted. Police estimated they faced "between 1,000 and 1,500 violent troublemakers, predominantly from a migrant background." Most of the 54 arrested suspects were German nationals aged 13 to 29.

Portugal and Switzerland

In Portugal, riot police cleared protest camps in Lisbon and Porto with baton charges after thousands marched against housing policies. The protesters demanded the withdrawal of a bill that makes evictions easier and ends rent caps on new leases. The minority centre-right government faces growing pressure over these housing reforms.

Switzerland also saw violent demonstrations in Zürich and Basel, where police used water cannon, teargas and rubber bullets against rioters attacking with fireworks, bottles and stones. Shop windows were smashed and property set fire in both cities, with similar incidents reported in Geneva.

Albanian unrest

Albania experienced violent protests in Tirana, where masked demonstrators hurled stones and petrol bombs at police during demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over perceived corruption. The interior ministry reported 350 people injured, including 200 police officers, with 269 minors arrested during the ongoing unrest.

The European-wide protests reflect growing discontent among young people over declining economic prospects, unaffordable housing, and the spiraling cost of living. Authorities in multiple countries have promised strong responses to the violence, with investigations continuing in France and Germany.