European ?ities ?it by wave of mass protests and unrest over weekend

Protesters in Paris

AKIPRESS.COM – A sweeping wave of demonstrations and unrest destabilized several European countries over the weekend, fueled by rising living costs, social inequality, housing affordability, and government policies.

In France, between 410,000 and 800,000 people took to the streets across major cities including Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux to protest economic conditions and service funding cuts.

French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide, resulting in over 1,300 arrests, 53 injured officers, and widespread property damage after demonstrations descended into clashes and vandalism.

Similar economic and political discontent sparked violent clashes in Italy, Albania, Spain, and Portugal. Protesters targeted government offices and public infrastructure in Tirana and Barcelona, drawing heavy police responses involving tear gas, water cannons, and mass arrests.

Meanwhile, peaceful marches formed in Madrid as thousands of pensioners demanded inflation-indexed pensions and single-issue housing protests in Lisbon and Porto led to police clearing tent encampments.