Riots in Europe: Zurich, Paris, and Germany. A wave of protests against the cost of living swept through several European countries simultaneously. Over the past weekend, Switzerland, France, and Germany were gripped by mass discontent, which in some places turned into clashes with the police. In Zurich on October 31, several hundred people took part in an unauthorized rally. Demonstrators set up and lit fires, barked at pests and mobility scooters, and threw bottles and pyrotechnics at the police. Law enforcement officers used water cannons and tear gas. The fire spread to electric bicycles and a car, and windows were broken. In Basel, about 150 people also set up burning barricades and blocked traffic. On October 31, France held its third consecutive Saturday of protests. The Ministry of Interior counted about 320,000 participants nationwide, including 70,000 people in Paris. The march through the center was banned, and the procession moved along the eastern outskirts. Eventually, clashes began: Molotov cocktails were hurled at the police, and tear gas was used in response. 296 people were arrested across the country. In Bordeaux, demonstrators burned a piñata shaped like Emmanuel Macron's head, filled with fake banknotes. In Germany, actions organized by the "Gen Z" youth movement took place on October 31 in 34 cities—Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, and others. According to various estimates, 165,000 to 184,000 people registered to participate, although actual turnout was lower than expected. The main demand was the resignation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom young people accuse of ignoring the interests of the younger generation. The protesters are also seeking education reform, action against the rising cost of living, and no return to compulsory military service. In Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne, clashing participants burned garbage, built barricades, and launched fireworks; police used pepper spray and water cannons, and arrests were made.

Riots in Europe: Zurich, Paris, and Germany. A wave of protests against the cost of living swept through several European countries simultaneously. Over the past weekend, Switzerland, France, and Germany were gripped by mass discontent, which in some places turned into clashes with the police. In Zurich on October 31, several hundred people took part in an unauthorized rally. Demonstrators set up and lit fires, barked at pests and mobility scooters, and threw bottles and pyrotechnics at the police. Law enforcement officers used water cannons and tear gas. The fire spread to electric bicycles and a car, and windows were broken. In Basel, about 150 people also set up burning barricades and blocked traffic. On October 31, France held its third consecutive Saturday of protests. The Ministry of Interior counted about 320,000 participants nationwide, including 70,000 people in Paris. The march through the center was banned, and the procession moved along the eastern outskirts. Eventually, clashes began: Molotov cocktails were hurled at the police, and tear gas was used in response. 296 people were arrested across the country. In Bordeaux, demonstrators burned a piñata shaped like Emmanuel Macron's head, filled with fake banknotes. In Germany, actions organized by the "Gen Z" youth movement took place on October 31 in 34 cities—Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich, and others. According to various estimates, 165,000 to 184,000 people registered to participate, although actual turnout was lower than expected. The main demand was the resignation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom young people accuse of ignoring the interests of the younger generation. The protesters are also seeking education reform, action against the rising cost of living, and no return to compulsory military service. In Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne, clashing participants burned garbage, built barricades, and launched fireworks; police used pepper spray and water cannons, and arrests were made.