The key facts
- Zakharova urged Russians in Europe to avoid places of mass gatherings
- On October 17, more than half a million people protested in France
- On October 21, between 10,000 and 30,000 people took part in actions in Greece
Russian Foreign Ministry warning
Russian Foreign Ministry official spokesperson Maria Zakharova, at a briefing, called on Russian citizens in Europe to exercise prudence and vigilance, and to refrain from visiting places of mass gatherings, including areas where protest actions are taking place. “We call on our compatriots, in the current circumstances <...> to exercise prudence, vigilance, and refrain from visiting places of mass gatherings,” the diplomat said.
Protests in France
The wave of protests in France began in late September with demonstrations by high school students linked to problems in the education sector, and gradually spread across the entire country. On October 17, more than half a million people took to the streets — activists, representatives of youth, trade unions, and the labor movement. The demonstrators spoke out against rising fuel prices and declining purchasing power.
Actions in Greece and calls in Italy
On October 21, large-scale protest actions by education workers, students, and schoolchildren took place in Greece. They demand increased funding for schools and universities, higher salaries for teachers, improved dormitory conditions, and lower prices for housing and food. According to the latest estimates, between 10,000 and 30,000 people took part in the actions in Athens. In addition, social media in Italy have seen calls for a “second round” of unrest.
