European protests spread: 1,000 arrested in France, clashes in Spain and Albania

More than 400,000 people demonstrated across France on Saturday, with nearly 1,000 arrested, as violent protests spread to Spain, Italy, Albania, Portugal and Belgium. The unrest, rooted in economic grievances, escalated into clashes with police in multiple European cities. French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide, with Paris seeing 110,000 protesters and violent confrontations involving tear gas and water cannon. In Barcelona, about 100 people were arrested, while in Rome demonstrators breached security at the Colosseum. Albanian protesters demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation, with fires reported at government buildings. The demonstrations began a month ago in French schools and have expanded into a broader movement fueled by rising living costs, inequality and political discontent. European authorities remain on alert for further protests on Sunday, with youth participation emerging as a common feature across affected countries.