"Generation Z" protests sweep across Europe

Washington, D.C. – Agencies: Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in the streets of Germany, France, and Portugal, protesting rising living costs, the deterioration of public services, and the housing crisis. Clashes erupted between police and groups of protesters in French and German cities, following largely peaceful daytime marches. In France, approximately 320,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country, including 70,000 in Paris, according to the Ministry of the Interior, marking the third consecutive Saturday of protests against high prices and poor public service conditions. Confrontations broke out at the end of marches in the capital and other cities, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Authorities stated that security forces prevented groups described as “extremist elements” from breaking away from the marches to carry out acts of vandalism and looting. Around 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed to prevent a recurrence of the riots and looting that occurred on October 17. The wave of protests began with student demonstrations against the decline of school buildings and teacher shortages, before being joined by unions and other groups angered by living conditions.

In Germany, the GenZ regelt organization, which organized the protests, said around 120,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide. The initiative demands increased spending on schools, measures to address rising living costs, enhanced social justice, climate protection, and a rejection of the return to mandatory military conscription. A spokesperson stated that young people feel politicians are not listening to them or considering their future. Protesters carried signs reading “Time for resistance” and “Merz must go,” referring to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Protesters also oppose increased military spending and a new model for voluntary military service, which they fear could pave the way for the reinstatement of mandatory conscription.

In Lisbon, thousands gathered in Rossio Square, calling on the center-right minority government to withdraw a rental bill they say will exacerbate the housing crisis. Organizers said several thousand participated, while police did not provide crowd estimates. According to Reuters, housing prices in Portugal have more than doubled since 2017, and rents for new contracts have nearly doubled. Young people have been among the hardest-hit groups. Protesters demand the withdrawal of a bill that would facilitate tenant evictions and remove rent caps for new contracts. The bill passed its first reading in parliament, with the far-right Chega party abstaining from voting. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro ruled out withdrawing the bill but expressed willingness to amend it before the final vote expected in the coming weeks.