From France to Italy, Belgium and Spain: Housing crisis, rising costs, education fuel wave of protests across Europe

Protests over rising living costs, unaffordable housing, education and public services have spread across Europe, with demonstrations turning violent in France and Italy. Spain and Portugal have seen protests over housing costs and wages, while Belgium has witnessed demonstrations against government spending cuts. Meanwhile, students have joined an anti-government movement demanding action against corruption in Albania.

The protests reflect growing frustration among young people, workers and trade unions over household expenses, access to housing and the quality of public services. The unrest has also increased pressure on governments ahead of elections in some countries. Here's a look at what's happening in these countries and why are people protesting.

Also Read: Albanian police clash with anti-government protesters for an 8th day

Italy

In Italy, protests over living costs, employment, healthcare and education turned violent in Milan, Turin and Bologna over the weekend. Masked protesters clashed with police, damaged shops and set property on fire.

Authorities arrested 271 people in Milan, including 220 minors, while 14 security personnel were injured over two days. The city's chamber of commerce estimated the damage at around one million euros, including property damage and lost business revenue.

Also Read: With France embroiled in protest, a look at the nation's economic standing by the numbers

Students have also protested since early October over school conditions and government policies. Demonstrators have accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government of failing to control energy prices and prioritising spending on the war in Ukraine over education.

In southern Italy, truck drivers, farmers and fishers have blocked roads and toll booths over fuel costs. The country's largest labour union, CGIL, has called a general strike for November 20 over economic and social concerns.

Belgium

In Belgium, demonstrations have focused on federal government austerity measures, public spending and education.

Tens of thousands of people protested in Brussels on October 9. Further demonstrations in Brussels and Liège over the weekend led to clashes with police and nearly 200 arrests, including more than 25 minors.

Some protesters erected barricades, threw projectiles and set fire to vehicles. Windows at the Brussels headquarters of the Socialist Party were also smashed.

Teachers have separately protested over working conditions and concerns about the education system. Although the French-speaking community's education minister has set up an advisory committee, unions remain sceptical about the government's response.

Spain

Housing affordability has emerged as a major issue in Spain, where rising rents and limited access to homes have fuelled public anger, particularly among young people.

Protesters have set up camps in Madrid's Puerta del Sol and other city squares, demanding measures to make housing more affordable. The movement has gained political significance ahead of the November 29 snap election.

The country's two largest trade union federations, UGT and CCOO, have also called a general strike for November 11 over housing costs and wages.

Teachers in Madrid have separately demanded better pay and smaller class sizes, with strikes adding to pressure on the authorities.

Portugal

Portugal has seen demonstrations over housing affordability, rising living costs and wages. Thousands marched in Lisbon and Porto in October, demanding better living conditions and higher incomes.

Property prices and rents have risen sharply since 2017, making housing increasingly difficult to afford. Protesters have also opposed proposed government changes that would make tenant evictions easier and remove rent controls on new leases.

Tent camps set up in Lisbon and Porto were cleared by police on October 20, with 55 people arrested and later released pending court appearances. Protesters have vowed to continue their campaign for affordable housing.

France

In France, protests that began with high school students demanding better school facilities and more resources have expanded into a wider movement over living costs and public services.

While many demonstrators took part in peaceful marches, violence erupted in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux over the weekend. Shops were looted, buildings were damaged and the historic town hall in Limoges was destroyed by fire.

Authorities reported nearly 2,400 arrests following the unrest, according to reports published on October 18. The violence has intensified political debate over public order and the role of radical groups in the demonstrations.

Albania

In Albania, students have joined demonstrations in the capital, Tirana, demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The protests centre on corruption allegations and demands for better healthcare, education and pension protection. Demonstrators have also opposed a luxury tourism development linked to Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

(With inputs from agencies)