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Europe latest: Looting in France, clashes in Milan, Albania protests go on
After cost-of-living protests in France turned into looting, Milan saw a second day of clashes and anti-government protests in Albania entered their seventh day. France arrested 2,397 people, while detentions in Milan passed 200.
The protest wave that began in Europe over the weekend is dominating the agenda in three countries as of Monday. While France tries to clear the aftermath of cost-of-living protests that turned into looting and arson on Saturday night, Milan saw a second day of clashes on Sunday, and anti-government protests in Albania entered their seventh day.
Injuries among security forces and arrests are rising in all three countries, and governments are signaling tough measures. Here is the latest, country by country, with footage from the ground.
France: arrests rise to 2,397
According to France’s Interior Ministry, about 550,000 people joined protests nationwide on Saturday. A total of 2,397 people were arrested and 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured. In Paris, police were filmed carrying away an unconscious protester by the arms and legs.
BFMTV, citing the Paris police headquarters, reported that a protester died north of the capital after cardiorespiratory arrest. There were surreal moments in the smoke-filled streets, too: a person in an inflatable costume was seen walking among the fires.
In Limoges, the spire of the 143-year-old town hall collapsed in flames, Lyon’s tourist office was set on fire, and masked protesters broke into Marseille city hall. Footage aired on French television showed a group attacking a police car and officers being forced to pull back.
Although Sunday was largely calmer, tension persisted in places, and police used tear gas at Place de la République in Paris. At night, a group was filmed trying to force its way into a bar.
Shopkeepers were also targeted during the looting. In Nice, a shop owner trying to protect his store was attacked when one of the looters kicked him in the back.
Other footage shows looters stealing a motorcycle from a shop.
Another widely circulated video shows a group making off with a Real Madrid shirt said to be signed by Zinedine Zidane.
Security camera footage shows people trying to climb over a wall into a property at night. The footage has been described as looting of homes in wealthy neighborhoods, but where it was filmed could not be independently verified.
Macron: Looters will pay
In a televised address on Sunday evening, President Emmanuel Macron said the country felt “anger and shame.” Stressing that peaceful protesters must not be lumped together with looters, he said rising fuel prices stem from the war in the Persian Gulf and declared: “Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted must repay.” No state of emergency was declared.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation, but the Élysée Palace refused it, citing the need for continuous command of the security forces. “I am responsible for everything that happens,” Nuñez said.
Italy: Second day of clashes in Milan
In Italy, unrest that began on Saturday flared again in Milan on Sunday. Hundreds of young people gathered in small groups in Piazza del Duomo, and police responded with water cannon and tear gas.
Italian police were also filmed moving in on protesters. According to ANSA, 160 people were taken to police headquarters on Sunday evening, 80% of them minors. Including those detained on Saturday, the total reportedly passed 200.
Sports and clothing stores were looted and shop windows smashed around Via Torino, Cordusio and the Castello area. Footage of a group attacking a police car also drew attention.
Some shopkeepers took matters into their own hands: one shop owner was filmed fighting back against looters with a stick.
According to ANSA, 14 police officers had been injured as of Monday, and 32 of those detained had been formally arrested. Saturday’s damage is estimated at at least 1 million euros. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called a meeting on public order, while Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said there were not enough officers on the streets.
Albania: Protests in their seventh day
In Albania, anti-government protests over corruption, education and unemployment that began on Oct. 13 are continuing. In Tirana, police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse crowds.
According to the Health Ministry, 272 people, including 169 police officers, have been injured since Tuesday, and police have opened proceedings against 388 people. On the evening of Oct. 17, a fire that broke out at a business next to the Supreme Court building spread to the court’s offices.
On Sunday night, Molotov cocktails were thrown at a police officer and at a police station. Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected calls to resign.
What to watch in Europe this week
In France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is convening a crisis unit while Macron travels to the Gulf for energy supplies. In Italy, decisions from Meloni’s security meeting, and in Albania the course of the protests, will be closely watched this week.
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