Protests in six European countries focus on rising costs, education and housing, with some demonstrations turning violent

Demonstrations in France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Albania focused on issues ranging from education and living costs to housing, wages and employment. Some protests in France and Belgium turned violent, while demonstrations in Italy led to clashes with police.

In France, hundreds of thousands rallied over teacher shortages, rising fuel prices and spending cuts. Some protests involved clashes, looting and arson. Belgian students protested higher tuition fees and rising living costs, with some demonstrations turning violent. In Italy, protests over rising prices and government policies sparked clashes with police, who used tear gas and water cannons.

In Portugal, tens of thousands marched against soaring rents, stagnant wages and declining purchasing power. In Spain, protesters demanded affordable housing and an end to evictions; anger was fueled by the eviction and subsequent death of an 87-year-old woman.

In Albania, students gathered outside the Ministry of Education to call for better university conditions, lower education costs and improved employment prospects for young people.