Cities across Europe facing cost of living protests - what to know

WorldPolitics
19 Oct 2026 • 6:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Cities across Europe facing cost of living protests - what to know

  • Widespread protests have erupted across Europe, driven by rising living costs, housing shortages, and deteriorating public services.
  • In France, over half a million people demonstrated against declining public services, leading to violent clashes, over 2,400 arrests, and one death.
  • Housing protests in Spain intensified following the eviction and death of an 87-year-old pensioner, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call a snap general election.
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned violent clashes in Milan and other northern cities after demonstrators protested against crumbling public services.
  • Tens of thousands marched in Lisbon over soaring living costs, while Albania experienced a sixth consecutive day of violent clashes over university conditions and corruption.

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