French protest spreads to other European countries too
MASSIVE anti-government and cost-of-living protests that erupted in France have indeed spilled over into several other European countries, including Italy, Portugal, Belgium, and Albania.
France: What began in September as a localised student and teacher strike over school funding and conditions quickly merged with the "Yellow Vests" movement, labour unions, and anger over inflation, fuel prices, and public debt.
Nationwide demonstrations drew over half a million people, resulting in severe riots, widespread looting, and nearly 2,400 arrests.
Italy: Rallies against soaring fuel prices, food shortages, and living costs hit cities like Milan, Turin, and Bologna. Marches in Milan turned violent as protesters clashed with police, looted stores, and threw stones, prompting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to hold emergency security talks.
Portugal: Tens of thousands of people marched in central Lisbon to protest a severe housing crisis—where property prices have surged over 120%—and general drops in household purchasing power.
Belgium: High school and university students mobilised in Brussels and Liège to protest higher education costs and school system reforms, echoing student grievances from across the border.
Albania: Separate but overlapping student-led and anti-government demonstrations have persisted for days, with crowds demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over corruption and job shortages.
