Youth-led protests spread across Europe amid broad discontent

Ekonominin Sesi - International (English) · Oct 23, 2026 · 1m

Protests initially sparked by teenagers at a French high school have drawn hundreds of thousands of people nationwide and spread to other parts of Europe. Demonstrations have filled streets in Lisbon and Madrid, and violence has erupted in Milan, Brussels, Tirana and French cities. French officials say they will deploy 70,000 officers on Saturday and allow only union-organized marches. They blame hard-left militants and opportunistic young perpetrators for last weekend’s damage and looting, saying a minority hijacked largely peaceful demonstrations. The Guardian’s editorial says there is no…