This weekend, several European countries witnessed mass protests that escalated into violent clashes with police, riots, and numerous arrests. The main triggers of public discontent were the housing crisis, rising living costs, and social insecurity.
Protests in Italy
In Italy, mass protests took place in cities such as Rome, Turin, Bologna, and other major urban areas. Protesters took to the streets demanding:
- increased wages;
- improved working conditions;
- affordable housing, healthcare, and education.
To disperse the crowd, police used water cannons and tear gas. As a result of the protests, 371 individuals were taken to police stations, with 9 arrests made.
Situation in Spain
In Barcelona, around 600 young people staged riots triggered by a deep housing crisis and soaring rental prices. The riots resulted in damage or looting of 14 stores, and firefighters extinguished over 30 fire outbreaks. Approximately 100 individuals were arrested, a quarter of whom were minors.
Protests in Albania and Portugal
In Albania, protests took on a sharp political tone. Participants, outraged by economic issues and corruption scandals, are demanding the immediate resignation of the Prime Minister. Protesters attacked government buildings, throwing stones and "Molotov cocktails" at the police.
In Lisbon, Portugal, nighttime demonstrations against high housing prices ended with a police operation. Authorities began to disperse the protest camp, leading to clashes that resulted in injuries among activists and law enforcement.
France Prepares for New Protests
Amid social tensions in neighboring countries, French unions have already announced a new nationwide protest scheduled for November 5. This indicates that discontent within society continues to grow, and new protests may become even more widespread.