From Newsweek · · 2m
Europe Protests Spread This Week
Protests over living costs and housing hit France, Albania, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Greece this week.
In brief
Protests over living costs and housing hit France, Albania, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Greece this week. Protests against rising living costs and housing affordability erupted across six European countries this week. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Protests Erupt Across Europe
Amid diverse local grievances, protests have erupted across Southern and Western Europe this week, sweeping through France, Albania, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Greece.
France Faces Weeks of Disorder
France has seen weeks of disorder since mid-September when teachers at Saint-Exupéry High School in Créteil went on strike over staff shortages.
Economic Pressures in France
Energy and food prices have spiked dramatically, with household budgets squeezed by 21.3 percent higher energy prices and 25.7 percent rise in petrol prices.
Violent Demonstrations in France
On Saturday, at least 550,000 people took the streets across France, with 1,800 arrests and over 500 police officers injured.
Albania's Anti-Government Riots
Albania entered its fifth day of anti-government riots after students joined a movement demanding Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
Belgium's Anti-Fascist Protests
Between 500 and 600 demonstrators gathered in Brussels, where some clashed with armed police and set fire to vehicles and construction equipment.
Italy's Violent Clashes
Protesters clashed with police in Milan, looted stores and set property on fire over demands for better living conditions.
Portugal's Housing Crisis
Portugal faces one of Europe's worst housing affordability crises with house prices up 130 percent since 2013 and new lease rents up 10.2 percent.
Spain's Housing Protests
Hundreds occupied Madrid's Puerta del Sol square in protest after the eviction and death of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal.
Greece's Workplace Safety Concerns
Refinery workers gathered outside Motor Oil over workplace safety after two employees died in an explosion during maintenance operations.
Trump and Vance Comment
President Trump blamed French protests on immigration and urged France to close borders, while Vice President JD Vance called the burning of a 143-year-old building 'import[ing] the third world.'
What Happens Next
French officials blame 'extremely violent, radical far-left groups' for stoking violence, while governments in Belgium and Albania warn of escalating unrest.
Here's the gist
Protests against rising living costs and housing affordability erupted across six European countries this week.
