Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France and Germany on Saturday, protesting against rising living costs, inequality and deteriorating public services. Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, violent confrontations erupted as evening fell, with police deploying tear gas, water cannon and riot units to restore order.
PARIS / BERLIN — France experienced its third consecutive weekend of nationwide demonstrations on 31 October, with approximately 320,000 participants gathering across the country, according to the French interior ministry. Around 70,000 marched in Paris alone, while protests also took place in Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and other major cities.
The demonstrations brought together students, trade unions and members of the Yellow Vest movement, reflecting mounting frustration over household finances, public services and the government of President Emmanuel Macron.
Violence erupts as peaceful marches end
In Paris, masked individuals dressed in black reportedly removed paving stones and threw them towards police officers. At least one incendiary device was launched at security forces, prompting officers to respond with tear gas and baton charges.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence, reporting that a police officer had been struck by a Molotov cocktail. Authorities had deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide in anticipation of possible unrest.
Similar confrontations occurred in Lyon, where police used tear gas after projectiles were thrown, while water cannon were deployed against demonstrators in Toulouse.
Despite the violence, the overwhelming majority of participants protested peacefully.
Germany faces growing youth-led unrest
Across Germany, demonstrations organised by the youth movement Gen Z regelt! attracted crowds demanding better education, affordable housing, improved healthcare and stronger climate policies.
Tensions escalated in several cities as darkness approached.
In Cologne, police deployed water cannon after demonstrators reportedly launched fireworks at officers. In Frankfurt, shops were damaged and at least two were looted, while disturbances were also reported in Berlin and Hamburg.
Police used pepper spray in some locations as confrontations intensified.
Economic frustration fuels European demonstrations
The protests highlight growing political pressure across Europe as households struggle with living expenses and concerns over the quality of public services.
In France, participation fell from an estimated 410,000 demonstrators the previous weekend, but the continuing mobilisation suggests dissatisfaction remains widespread.
Student organisations have announced further school and university blockades, with additional demonstrations planned for 5 November.
The unrest presents European governments with a difficult challenge: maintaining public order while addressing the economic grievances driving large numbers of citizens onto the streets.
NewsHub Finance | Europe | 1 November 2026
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France and Germany on Saturday, protesting against rising living costs, inequality and deteriorating public services. Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, violent confrontations erupted as evening fell, with police deploying tear gas, water cannon and riot units to restore order.
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