Europe expands security measures as protests disrupt France, Albania and Italy
French authorities are expanding overnight curfews and security restrictions following weekend demonstrations marked by violence, looting and vandalism.
Restrictions have been introduced in Paris, Lyon, Nice and parts of the Gironde department, while four northern communes — Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain — have also imposed overnight curfews.
In Paris, curfews will run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. around Place de la République and streets surrounding Les Halles. Authorities have also banned demonstrations in certain neighborhoods during those hours.
Lyon will impose a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in part of its central Presqu’île district. In Nice, Mayor Eric Ciotti announced nighttime restrictions for minors in parts of the city center, citing violence during the weekend.
In Gironde, unaccompanied minors will be subject to a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew until Oct. 26 in areas affected by looting and vandalism on Oct. 17. The northern communes will enforce restrictions from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., while Denain has introduced a separate curfew running from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Oct. 25.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said around 550,000 people participated in 110 demonstrations nationwide on Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris. About 400 arrests were recorded across the country.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked local prefects to introduce targeted curfews and announced judicial action against those responsible for violence and looting. Authorities have also introduced restrictions on gatherings in Marseille and measures to support businesses affected by the unrest.
Albanian protests enter seventh day amid clashes with police
Anti-government demonstrations continued in Albania for a seventh consecutive day on Monday, with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Education Ministry before clashes erupted near the Court of Appeal in Tirana. Protesters threw stones and pyrotechnics, breaking windows, while police used tear gas and water cannons near Rinia Park to disperse crowds.
Further confrontations were reported near the Interior Ministry, where demonstrators threw stones, pyrotechnics and Molotov cocktails at police.
Authorities said five people had been arrested and another 15 were being sought.
Student protests also continued in Lezhë, Vlorë, Elbasan and Shkodër, where some students boycotted classes and marched through the streets.
Rama renewed his offer of unconditional dialogue, saying the government was ready to meet protesters “anytime, anywhere, without conditions.” He urged organizers to reject violence and keep minors away from clashes, stressing that peaceful protest was a right while violence was a crime.
The demonstrations began on Oct. 13, initially driven by student concerns over education costs, university conditions and economic prospects. Protesters have since broadened their demands to include corruption and the rising cost of living.
Rama has rejected calls to resign and said he would not negotiate with those involved in violence. Civil society and media organizations have called for restraint, respect for peaceful demonstrations and proportionate use of force by police.
Truckers’ protests disrupt supplies across southern Italy
Truckers’ protests over rising diesel prices spread across southern Italy on Monday, disrupting transport routes and deliveries to supermarkets.
According to Italian news agency ANSA, truckers blocked access to the commercial port of Naples, while demonstrations and road blockades affected Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia and Sicily.
The disruptions have slowed the distribution of goods, particularly fresh produce, with shortages reported in parts of Campania, Sicily and Calabria. Agricultural producers have also raised concerns about losses caused by delays in collecting and delivering their products.
The truckers are demanding relief from rising fuel costs and higher transport rates.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said he was confident the government could release delayed funds, hear the protesters’ demands and begin talks to ease pressure on roads and highways.
The Transport Ministry is scheduled to meet representatives of national industry associations on Tuesday as efforts continue to address the dispute.
The developments in France, Albania and Italy highlight mounting public unrest over economic pressures, alongside demands for political change and growing challenges for authorities seeking to maintain public order.
Source:AA
