Protesters clash with police over far-right activist in Bilbao

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Arrests / detentions

9

Nine people have been arrested in Bilbao¹²

The full story

On October 27, 2026, demonstrations and subsequent unrest took place in Bilbao, Spain, following a scheduled appearance by far-right activist and influencer Vito Quiles near the University of Deusto. Thousands of students initially marched in the city centre in a mobilization called by the Ikasle Antolakunde Sozialista (IAS) student union and anti-fascist groups to oppose what they described as the normalisation of sexist, racist, and classist discourse. The event was ultimately cancelled after the activist spoke with police regarding high security risks. Following the cancellation, clashes broke out in the Deusto neighbourhood. According to sources, individuals set fire to parked cars, rubbish containers, and a municipal police motorcycle, and attempted to approach a police station. The Basque government's security department stated that nine people had been arrested in connection with the disturbances.

Timeline

1. Oct 27

   The Basque government security department reported nine provisional arrests related to the disturbances.¹²

2. Oct 27

   Unrest broke out in the afternoon with cars, rubbish bins, and a municipal police motorcycle set on fire.¹²³

3. Oct 27

   The far-right activist cancelled his scheduled appearance near the University of Deusto citing high security risks.¹²³

4. Oct 27

   Thousands of students marched in central Bilbao during morning demonstrations organised by the IAS student union.¹²³