Following protests in France and Italy, demonstrations have erupted in other European countries: clashes with police in Belgium and Italy, tent camps in Portugal, and calls for the prime minister's resignation in Albania. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
People are taking to the streets over the high cost of living, unaffordable housing, and problems in education. The actions have different organizers and demands, and some demonstrations have escalated into riots.
Belgium
In Brussels, several hundred mostly young people protested against rising education costs and reforms that they believe will make studying less accessible. According to Reuters, the protesters were partly inspired by demonstrations in neighboring France. Some participants overturned a car. Police used water cannons and tear gas. A rally also took place in Liège, where students had previously protested against rising education costs and difficulties in accessing educational materials.
Italy
In Italy, demonstrations against high prices, gasoline costs, and the tax burden escalated into clashes. In Milan, participants threw bottles, firecrackers, and metal barriers at police. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas. According to updated data cited by ANSA, at least four police officers and 20 demonstrators were injured in the city. More than 50 people were detained, about half of them minors. Clashes also occurred in Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo.
"Holding demonstrations is a right, but setting our cities on fire and destroying them is not," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Portugal
In Lisbon and Porto, participants in the affordable housing movement set up tent camps and spent the night in squares. On the morning of October 18, the tents remained, according to the Portuguese broadcaster RTP. The night passed without incident. On Sunday, activists plan to hold meetings and decide how to continue the protest.
The day before, thousands of people took to the streets of Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and other cities. They demanded higher wages and pensions, improved public services, and a solution to the housing crisis. Participants in the affordable housing movement also oppose the new rent law.
Albania
In Tirana, clashes continued for the fifth day in a row on October 17. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, protesting against corruption, lack of jobs, and poor quality of education. According to Reuters, participants set fire to government buildings and banks and threw stones at police. Security forces used gas and water cannons, as well as presumably rubber bullets. Seven officers were suspended pending an investigation into excessive use of force, the agency reports.
France
France is still clarifying the consequences of the October 17 demonstrations. On Sunday morning, Reuters reported approximately 1,800 detained and more than 500 injured police officers. In Paris, one participant died after cardiac arrest. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people took part in peaceful marches.
Earlier, Kursiv reported on the arson of the historic town hall in Limoges, looted shops in French cities, and clashes in Milan's Piazza del Duomo.
The protest wave in France began with schoolchildren protesting against teacher shortages and the poor condition of educational institutions. Later, students, workers, and "yellow vests" joined them, dissatisfied with rising prices and living standards.
Kursiv wrote about separate protests in Albania on October 17. Student demands to improve learning conditions merged with discontent over corruption and a project for an elite resort on the coast supported by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Edi Rama refused to resign.