Madrid [Spain], October 21 – Rising living costs, housing shortages, concerns over public services and dissatisfaction with education are fueling protests across Europe with demonstrations in France, Italy, Albania, Spain and Portugal drawing thousands into the streets.
The unrest has been driven largely by young people frustrated by economic uncertainty and declining confidence in public institutions according to María Silvestre, a sociology professor at Spain’s University of Deusto.
In France,students have protested for weeks over understaffed and deteriorating schools while labour unions and activists have joined demonstrations demanding action on living costs and public services. Some protests have turned violent resulting in arrests, injuries, looting and fires.
Housing affordability has emerged as a major concern in Spain and Portugal where protesters have established tent camps in major cities including Madrid, Lisbon and Porto. In Spain, high rents are consuming a large share of workers’ incomes.
In Italy, demonstrators have demanded better wages, healthcare, education and housing as inflation rises. Some marches have escalated into clashes with police and property damage.
In Albania students have joined anti-government demonstrations demanding action against corruption and protection for public services. Meanwhile, student-led anti-corruption protests in Serbia are adding to political tensions ahead of parliamentary elections.
The unrest comes as far-right parties gain ground in parts of Europe intensifying political divisions.
