24–25 October 2026 protests took place in several European countries, and in Serbia a list backed by students won early parliamentary elections. In France, Italy, Spain, Albania and Portugal, participants demonstrated against social problems and the actions of the authorities. In a number of cities the demonstrations were accompanied by clashes with police.
SERBIA — STUDENTS WIN ELECTIONS
As reported by the Serbian outlet N1, on 25 October a movement backed by students won the early parliamentary elections.
According to updated preliminary data from the election commission, the student list received 52.71% of the vote and won 140 of 250 seats in parliament. President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat for his political force.
The student protests began after the collapse of a station canopy in Novi Sad in 2024, in which 16 people died. Participants demanded an investigation into the tragedy and a fight against corruption.
FRANCE — HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS TAKE TO THE STREETS
According to Le Monde, on 24 October protests against rising prices and the deterioration of public services took place across France.
According to government estimates, 410,000 people took part in the actions, while trade unions reported around 800,000 protesters.
In Paris, Marseille and other cities there were clashes with police. Law enforcement officers used tear gas and water cannon.
ITALY — DEMONSTRATIONS END IN DETENTIONS
As reported by Euronews, on 24 October thousands of people took to the streets of Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna and Florence.
Participants demonstrated against rising prices, military spending and the policies of Giorgia Meloni's government.
Most of the actions passed off peacefully, but in several cities there were clashes with police. By the end of the day nine people had been detained, and files were drawn up on a further 87 participants for the law enforcement authorities.
SPAIN — RIOTS IN BARCELONA AND PROTESTS IN MADRID
According to Europa Press, on 24 October a youth action in Barcelona escalated into riots. Participants damaged shops, set fire to rubbish containers and clashed with police.
Law enforcement officers detained 130 people, among them 76 minors. Around 30 commercial premises were damaged.
On the same day, a peaceful action in defence of pensions took place in Madrid. According to El País, between 25,000 and 50,000 people took to the streets, according to various estimates.
ALBANIA — STUDENTS DEMAND THE PRIME MINISTER'S RESIGNATION
As reported by Reuters, on 24 October student protests in Tirana escalated into clashes with police.
Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing the authorities of corruption. Participants threw stones at police officers and set fire to the entrance of the Ministry of Agriculture building.
Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.
PORTUGAL — RESIDENTS PROTEST AGAINST EXPENSIVE HOUSING
According to Reuters in a publication by Internazionale, on 24 October a demonstration against the rising cost of housing and rent took place in Lisbon.
Participants demanded affordable housing and higher wages. Some protesters set up tents in the city centre.
The following day, police broke up the camp and detained several people.
WHAT UNITES THE PROTESTS IN EUROPE
The protests in different countries touched on social and political issues — from rising prices and housing affordability to dissatisfaction with the actions of the authorities. At the same time, in Serbia the protest movement achieved success in the parliamentary elections, while in a number of other countries the demonstrations were accompanied by clashes with police.
