Are Europe’s student protests the start of something bigger

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Are Europe's student protests the start of something bigger

Young people in Europe are rising up. Worried about their future and fearful they won’t have the same opportunities as their parents, thousands have taken to the streets in the last few weeks.

In Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Albania, there were large-scale demonstrations this weekend, fuelled by frustration at the state of schools and unhappiness over the cost of living.

Some protests descended into some of the worst urban violence in years, notably in France and Italy where looting and thuggery became intermixed with peaceful demonstrations.

According to the Guardian’s Europe correspondent Jon Henley, the violence risks pushing this generation’s legitimate grievances into the background. Watch as he explains what to expect as Gen Z’s student-led movement is confronted with the current political reality.

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Date: October 20, 2026