On Saturday, October 31, 2026, thousands of young people gathered in France and Germany to protest against the high cost of living, poor education, and increased military spending. In France, this marked the third day of social and student mobilization, with nearly 150 rallies organized across the country. The protests were largely peaceful, with 15,000 demonstrators reported at 2 pm and 70,000 police and gendarmes deployed to maintain order.
The protests in France were sparked by concerns over the rising cost of living, lack of educational resources, and deteriorating living conditions. Students, high school students, and retirees participated in rallies in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lille, and Grenoble. The protests were initially planned to start from the Porte de Bagnolet in Paris, but the route was changed by the Council of State. Despite this, the demonstrations went ahead as planned.
The movement is set to escalate next week, with the Union of Student Unions and the Student Union calling for a blockade of high schools and universities on November 3 and 5. This will coincide with a general strike on November 5, organized by worker unions. The protests are not limited to France, with over 170,000 people expected to participate in rallies in around 30 German cities.
In Germany, the protests were organized by the "GenZ regelt" collective, which translates to "Gen Z regulates." The young people participating in the protests are demanding action on the cost of living, improvement in schools, and a reduction in military spending. The movement in Germany was inspired by similar protests in France and Italy.
The protests in France and Germany highlight the growing concerns among young people about their future. The rising cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate education are some of the key issues driving the protests. The demonstrations are a call to action for governments to address these concerns and provide a better future for young people.
According to reports from TF1 and BFMTV, the protests were largely peaceful, with some incidents reported in several cities. The authorities in both France and Germany took measures to ensure public safety, with a significant police presence at the rallies. The protests are a significant indication of the growing discontent among young people in Europe.
The movement is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with more protests and demonstrations planned. The young people participating in the protests are demanding action from their governments to address their concerns. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to these demands and what impact the protests will have on policy.
Key points
- Thousands of young people protest in France and Germany against high cost of living and poor education.
- Protests in France are set to escalate next week with blockade of high schools and universities.
- Movement in Germany was inspired by similar protests in France and Italy.
