Why Gen Z Protests Are Spreading to Europe

Overview

Across Europe, youth-led protests are spreading amid anger over unaffordable housing, the rising cost of living, strained public services, and perceived unfairness between generations. In several countries, demonstrations have grown to include workers, pensioners, and other groups. Governments have responded with measures including curfews, tighter policing, and troop deployments.

Country-by-country developments

France

Protests that began with students and pupils objecting to poor school conditions broadened into demonstrations against living costs and proposed budget cuts. The video reports that an estimated 800,000 people took part. Some protests turned violent, with businesses looted and clashes with police.

The government has promised more substitute teachers and dropped plans to raise some university registration fees. Curfews and military support for police are also planned.

Italy

Demonstrations in several cities called for better public services, fairer taxes, more education funding, and lower military spending. Rioting and looting in Milan drew particular attention.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced expanded police powers to detain under-18s considered dangerous, and 500 additional soldiers are being sent to Milan. Separately, transport and agricultural workers are protesting high fuel costs.

Spain

Housing costs are a major focus. A protest over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman helped draw attention to steep rent increases and worsening affordability. The video says rents have nearly doubled in a decade, while almost half of young adults live with their parents.

Teachers in Madrid are also striking over pay and working conditions. Unions in Spain and Portugal have called a general strike for November 11.

Portugal

Protesters in Lisbon and Porto oppose a bill they say would make evictions easier and end rent caps on new leases. Housing purchase prices and rents have risen sharply in recent years.

Albania

Demonstrations began over a luxury resort project in a protected natural area, which critics associate with political influence and environmental damage. The protests have since expanded into a broader anti-government movement demanding resignations and a technocratic government to address corruption. Clashes and attacks on government buildings have intensified.

Serbia

Student-led protests, ongoing for nearly two years after a train-station roof collapse killed 16 people, are now entering an electoral phase. The student movement is seeking to challenge President Aleksandar Vučić’s long period in power and campaigns on education and healthcare reform, affordable housing, and cleaner public institutions.

The video presents Serbia as a test of whether protest movements can translate public pressure into political power.

What comes next

Further demonstrations and strikes are planned. The video notes comparisons with the revolutions of 1848, which were also driven partly by economic hardship and distrust of political institutions, while cautioning that it is too early to say whether 2026 will prove comparable.

Presenter and contributors

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