Governments across Europe are tightening security measures as protests over rising living costs, housing affordability, education and public services spread across several countries. France has extended local curfews following violent demonstrations, Portuguese police have arrested 55 people while clearing housing protest camps, Albania is facing growing student-led anti-government unrest, and Italy is preparing tougher security measures after weekend riots.
The demonstrations reflect mounting frustration over economic insecurity and dissatisfaction with government policies, with some protests escalating into clashes with police, looting and damage to public buildings.
France extends curfews after riots
French authorities extended curfews in several cities on Tuesday (20 October) after restrictions helped restore calm following a weekend of violent protests, looting and rioting.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said targeted curfews had contributed to a quieter night. Marseille extended restrictions on minors in some central areas, while Lyon continued its measures into Wednesday (21 October) morning. Parts of Paris and several other cities have also introduced restrictions for young people.
The unrest followed weeks of demonstrations over living costs and education funding. Students have demanded more teachers, better facilities and improved resources, while other protesters have raised concerns about fuel prices and household expenses.
The government has faced criticism over its preparation for the demonstrations and the deployment of security forces. Officials have vowed to restore public order while pursuing those responsible for violence and vandalism.
Portugal arrests 55 in housing protest crackdown
Portuguese police cleared protest camps in Lisbon and Porto before dawn on Tuesday, arresting 55 activists who had occupied central squares to protest against the country's housing crisis.
In Lisbon, protesters had pitched around 200 tents in Rossio Square since Saturday . In Porto, activists had occupied Dom Joao I Square for about 10 days.
Police launched coordinated operations shortly before 6am after warning protesters that the camps were illegal. Activists in Porto dismantled their own tents, while officers cleared the Lisbon camp.
The protesters want the centre-right government to withdraw a bill that would make evictions easier and end rent caps on new leases. The legislation passed its first parliamentary reading with the far-right Chega party abstaining.
Portugal's housing affordability crisis has worsened sharply, with property purchase prices more than doubling since 2017 and rents for new leases nearly doubling.
Albania's student protests turn violent
In Albania, student-led demonstrations against corruption, education costs and limited job opportunities have intensified, putting Prime Minister Edi Rama under growing pressure.
Thousands of young people gathered outside the Education Ministry in Tirana on 14 October, with demonstrators setting fire to a government building and two bank branches. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons as some protesters threw stones and damaged businesses.
The demonstrations followed months of dissatisfaction over university conditions, tuition costs, limited financial support and employment prospects after graduation. Anger has also been fuelled by allegations of corruption involving government officials and controversy surrounding a proposed luxury resort development backed by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The protests spread to other cities, including Elbasan and Shkodra. On 17 October, thousands gathered in Tirana for a fifth day of demonstrations, with clashes breaking out between masked protesters and riot police.
Rama rejected calls to resign on 18 October, arguing that the protests threatened Albania's progress towards European Union membership rather than his government's survival. The government has condemned violence while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest.
Italy plans tougher security measures
Italy is preparing new security measures after weekend riots in Milan and other cities, where demonstrators clashed with police, looted shops and vandalised property.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government was expected to approve measures on Tuesday to strengthen police powers and address violence involving minors. The government has also considered deploying 500 troops to Milan, the country's financial centre.
The unrest has added to pressure on the government as protests over inflation, low wages, fuel costs and inadequate public services continue. Police used tear gas and water cannons during clashes, while several businesses and public spaces were damaged.
The government argues that stronger measures are needed to prevent violence and protect public order. Critics, however, have warned against allowing security responses to undermine the right to peaceful protest.