Mass protests have continued for more than two weeks in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania, and Belgium. People are protesting against rising prices, housing shortages, poor public services, and government economic policies. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday. Although the protests began peacefully, some turned violent in the evening. According to France’s Interior Ministry, around 410,000 people took part in the protests, while trade unions estimated the number at 800,000. Around 70,000 police officers were deployed to control the situation. Violence broke out at the end of a march in Paris. Police used batons, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds. According to the report, around 1,000 people have been arrested across France.
Italy: Young people and students joined large protests in Milan, Rome, and Turin. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deployed an additional 500 soldiers to support the security forces already present.
Spain: In Barcelona, a group of people wearing black clothes and masks reportedly smashed the windows of more than 14 shops and stole goods in Plaça de Catalunya. Hundreds of people were arrested in connection with the violence.
Portugal: Thousands of people marched in Lisbon and other cities to protest against rising rents and laws that make it easier for landlords to evict tenants.
Albania: Students in the capital, Tirana, protested for lower education fees and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. After stones were thrown during the protests, more than 2,500 police officers used tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds.
The protests highlight growing public concerns about the cost of living, affordable housing, education expenses, and access to public services across parts of Europe.
