PETALING JAYA: Hundreds of thousands of protestors took to the streets in cities across Europe, with many erupting into violence.
The biggest and ugliest scenes were in France as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades.
According to Reuters, similar but smaller-scale protests also took place in Belgium, Portugal and Italy on Saturday as living costs rise in Europe, while protesters in Albania again rallied against perceived government corruption, a lack of jobs and poor education standards.
Below are photos of the situation there.
TOPSHOT - A protester throws a cobblestone during an anti-government demonstration in central Tirana on October 17, 2026, as protests continued for a fifth consecutive day over university conditions and demands for the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister. Several hundred people, some masked, gathered around noon in front of the ministry of education, with protests later spreading across the city. Protesters threw rocks at the police and set litter bins on fire, using them as barricades to prevent the police from advancing. (Photo by Armend NIMANI / AFP)
TOPSHOT - A protester kicks stands amid tear gas in front of Lyon's tourism office during a demonstration to protest against the "high cost of living", in Lyon, southeastern France, on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vests", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)
TOPSHOT - Police officers charge on Place de la Republique during a demonstration to protest against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vest", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
TOPSHOT - A protester, wrapped in a flag of France, stands in the smoke at Place de l'Opera during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Lille, northern France, on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vests", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)
TOPSHOT - This photograph shows a fire burning and destroying the city hall after a group of individuals forced entry into the building during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Limoges, central France on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vest", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by Pascal LACHENAUD / AFP)
A woman walks past a vandalised Lacoste store, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
TOPSHOT - This photograph shows a fire burning and destroying the city hall after a group of individuals forced entry into the building during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Limoges, central France on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vest", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by Pascal LACHENAUD / AFP)
TOPSHOT - Police officers patrol on Place de la Republique during a demonstration to protest against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vest", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
TOPSHOT - Protester throw cobblestones during an anti-government demonstration in central Tirana on October 17, 2026, as protests continued for a fifth consecutive day over university conditions and demands for the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister. Several hundred people, some masked, gathered around noon in front of the ministry of education, with protests later spreading across the city. Protesters threw rocks at the police and set litter bins on fire, using them as barricades to prevent the police from advancing. Armend NIMANI / AFP (Photo by Armend NIMANI / AFP)
TOPSHOT - A man walks past a broken woindow shop of Diesel following a demonstration against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vests", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
TOPSHOT - Firefighters extinguish a burning car along the Canal Saint-Martin during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vests", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP)
TOPSHOT - Protesters march during a demonstration against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vest", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
Police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Paris, France, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Rioters attacked French public buildings and looted stores in cities including Paris as protests against the high cost of living drew more than half a million people, underscoring the nation’s challenges ahead of presidential elections next year. Photographer: Wayan Barre/Bloomberg
A fire burns on the sidelines of a protest in Paris, France, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Rioters attacked French public buildings and looted stores in cities including Paris as protests against the high cost of living drew more than half a million people, underscoring the nation’s challenges ahead of presidential elections next year. Photographer: Wayan Barre/Bloomberg
TOPSHOT - This photograph shows a burning car along the Canal Saint-Martin during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vests", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP)
A worker cleans debris off a street next to a vandalised shop, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, near (AREA) in Paris, France, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
This photograph shows a pile of burnt objects a day after nationwide protests against the "high cost of living", in Paris on October 18, 2026. France's Prime Minister said 1,200 people were arrested in protests across the country on October 17, and 150 police were hurt during clashes between police and protesters. Massive looting and multiple blazes gripped France as nationwide marches against soaring inflation degenerated into street violence of "extreme intensity". (Photo by Matthieu RONDEL / AFP)
A man cleans outside a vandalised Ralph Lauren store, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
This photograph shows the 'Monument a la Republique' statue displaying a Yellow Vest a day after nationwide protests against the "high cost of living", at Place de la Republique in Paris on October 18, 2026. France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said 1,200 people were arrested in protests across the country on October 17, and 150 police were hurt as Clashes between police and protesters, massive looting and multiple blazes gripped France as nationwide marches against soaring inflation degenerated into street violence of "extreme intensity". (Photo by Matthieu RONDEL / AFP)
People stand next to a vandalised Nike store, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
A city employee cleans tags from walls in central Paris, on October 18, 2026 a day after nationwide protests against the "high cost of living". France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said 1,200 people were arrested in protests across the country on October 17, and 150 police were hurt as Clashes between police and protesters, massive looting and multiple blazes gripped France as nationwide marches against soaring inflation degenerated into street violence of "extreme intensity". (Photo by Matthieu RONDEL / AFP)
This photograph shows a damaged automatic teller machine (ATM) a day after nationwide protests against the "high cost of living", in Marseille on October 18, 2026. France's Prime Minister said 1,200 people were arrested in protests across the country on October 17, and 150 police were hurt during clashes between police and protesters. Massive looting and multiple blazes gripped France as nationwide marches against soaring inflation degenerated into street violence of "extreme intensity". (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
A person picks up a shoe from a pile of footwear scattered on the ground a day after nationwide protests against the "high cost of living", in Marseille on October 18, 2026. France's Prime Minister said 1,200 people were arrested in protests across the country on October 17, and 150 police were hurt during clashes between police and protesters. Massive looting and multiple blazes gripped France as nationwide marches against soaring inflation degenerated into street violence of "extreme intensity". (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
A pedestrian takes a photograph of the damages a day after nationwide protests against the "high cost of living", in Marseille on October 18, 2026. France's Prime Minister said 1,200 people were arrested in protests across the country on October 17, and 150 police were hurt during clashes between police and protesters. Massive looting and multiple blazes gripped France as nationwide marches against soaring inflation degenerated into street violence of "extreme intensity". (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
Police confront "Italia in Piazza" protesters in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP)
A fire burns following clashes between police and "Italia in Piazza" protesters in front of the Milan Cathedral in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP)
Demonstrators get shelter behind the police after clashes occurred during a protest against the high cost of living, in Milan, Italy, Saturday Oct. 17, 2026. (Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP)
A fire burns following clashes between police and "Italia in Piazza" protesters in front of the Milan Cathedral in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP)
Police stand together against "Italia in Piazza" protesters in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP)
Demonstrators stand next to tents set up to protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages in central Lisbon on October 17, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by Filipe AMORIM / AFP)
Demonstrators protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages on Rossio square in central Lisbon on October 17, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by Filipe AMORIM / AFP)
Demonstrators protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages on Rossio square in central Lisbon on October 17, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by Filipe AMORIM / AFP)
Demonstrators protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages on Rossio square in central Lisbon on October 17, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by Filipe AMORIM / AFP)
Demonstrators protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages on Rossio square in central Lisbon on October 17, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by Filipe AMORIM / AFP)
Demonstrators protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages on Rossio square in central Lisbon on October 17, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by Filipe AMORIM / AFP)
Demonstrators protest against housing shortage, soaring rents and low wages on Rossio square in central Lisbon on October 18, 2026. Thousands of people marched on October 17, 2026 through the centre of Lisbon at the call of the CGTP trade union to protest against increasingly difficult living conditions. The slogans and demands focus mainly on higher wages and pensions, as well as protests against the rising cost of housing and fuel. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
Police stays in formation amid an anti-government protest by students, in Tirana, Albania, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A person throws an object as demonstrators clash with police amid an anti-government protest by students, in Tirana, Albania, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga
A car burns as clashes erupted during an anti-government demonstration outside the prime minister's office, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
A police officer in riot gear splashed with red paint takes cover behind a water canon vehicle during an anti-government demonstration in central Tirana on October 17, 2026, as protests continued for a fifth consecutive day over university conditions and demands for the resignation of the Albanian Prime Minister. Several hundred people, some masked, gathered around noon in front of the ministry of education, with protests later spreading across the city. Protesters threw rocks at the police and set litter bins on fire, using them as barricades to prevent the police from advancing. (Photo by Armend NIMANI / AFP)
Police detain a protester during an anti-government demonstration, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
A protester throws an object during an anti-government protest by students in Tirana, Albania, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A Police officer in riot gear fires a rubber bullet weapon to disperse protesters during an anti-government demonstration in central Tirana on October 17, 2026, as protests continued for a fifth consecutive day over university conditions and demands for the resignation of the Albanian Prime Minister. Several hundred people, some masked, gathered around noon in front of the ministry of education, with protests later spreading across the city. Protesters threw rocks at the police and set litter bins on fire, using them as barricades to prevent the police from advancing. (Photo by Armend NIMANI / AFP)
A police officer approaches a protester lying on the ground, during an anti-government protest by students in Tirana, Albania, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
Riot police uses a water cannon as demonstrators gather during a youth protest in Brussels on October 17, 2026. (Photo by NICOLAS MAETERLINCK / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT
Demonstrators gather during a youth protest in Brussels on October 17, 2026. (Photo by NICOLAS MAETERLINCK / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT
Demonstrators react to tear gas fired by police during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A demonstrator throws a chair at police during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A demonstrator kicks away a tear gas canister fired by police during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A member of the police kicks a tear gas canister during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A demonstrator reacts to tear gas fired by police during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A member of the police walks with a dog during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Mounted police move on a street during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A police officer equipped with riot control gear uses pepper spray during a students' protest in Brussels, Belgium, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
