Violent protests erupted in Switzerland’s Zurich city centre overnight on October 31, prompting police to deploy water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. Several hundred people gathered following social media calls for protests similar to those witnessed in France and other countries. Masked protesters reportedly set fires and launched fireworks, while emergency responders were targeted with bottles and stones. Police also reported damage to shops and public transport stops. The unrest comes as left-wing and student groups call for a nationwide general strike against austerity measures on November 20.