Protests in Europe: Fact-checking viral videos amid claims of 'chaos'

As young people take to the streets across Europe to protest poor school conditions and the rising cost of living, misleading videos circulating online regarding the demonstrations.

Footage from Poland, Portugal and Argentina has been falsely presented as evidence of recent unrest in Europe, with some posts suggesting the continent is descending into chaos. Others may be seeking to attract clicks and engagement.

One viral video, viewed more than a million times on X, appears to show enormous crowds gathered in Poland. Social media users claimed it depicted millions of people taking part in recent protests. But the footage is nearly nine years old. It shows Poland’s annual Independence Day march and was already circulating online in 2017.

The video has repeatedly resurfaced with misleading captions over the years. It was also previously shared as footage of unrest in France and was debunked earlier this year by FRANCE 24’s fact-checking service, The Observers.

Another video has been used to spread false claims about protests in Portugal. Posts on social media claimed the country had deployed its army to suppress demonstrations, warning that Portugal was on the “brink of social explosion”.

The footage shows military vehicles driving through the streets of Porto, accompanied by dramatic music. While the video was indeed filmed in the Portuguese city - with the famous Chapel of Santa Catarina is visible in the background - it does not show troops being deployed against protesters.

Instead, the footage shows preparations for Army Day, held from October 20 to 25. According to the city’s official website, thousands of soldiers arrived in Porto for a multi-day programme of events showcasing the military.

There have been no credible reports of the army being deployed to quell the recent protests. Demonstrations, including those calling for more affordable housing, have been handled by police. On Sunday, police dismantled housing protest camps in Porto and Lisbon, with more than 30 people arrested.

The same military footage has also recently circulated on TikTok with a different false claim: that it shows French police being deployed against protesters in France, despite Portuguese architecture being visible in the video.

A third video was shared by an account known for spreading false information, allegedly showing Italian protesters tearing down a US flag as onlookers cheered during a demonstration against rising fuel prices.

However, a reverse image search revealed that the footage dates back to August and was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina.The video shows the American flag being removed from the facade of a hotel near Argentina’s National Congress during a protest linked to a law introduced by President Javier Milei concerning private property.

The footage has no connection to protests in Italy.