Protests across parts of Europe intensified again, with demonstrators in France, Italy and Spain raising demands linked to education funding, affordable housing, pension security, anti-corruption measures and the rising cost of living. In several cities, the renewed agitation led to clashes and incidents of arson.
In France, more than 400,000 people reportedly joined demonstrations nationwide. Tensions escalated in major cities including Paris, Lyon, Rennes and Marseille, where some protesters threw fireworks, bottles and stones, and a few locations saw fires set.
Authorities deployed more than 70,000 police personnel and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Over 1,000 people were arrested, while trade unions said they would continue nationwide strikes.
In Italy, clashes were reported in Rome during a march near Piazza della Repubblica, and security was tightened in key commercial areas. Police also stopped some protesters from attempting to enter the Colosseum, while confrontations were reported in Turin; a rally in Milan was largely peaceful.
In Spain, hundreds of youths gathered in Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya following calls circulated on social media. Some masked individuals set fire to road barricades and trash bins, entered shops to loot goods, and hurled stones and bottles at police; more than 100 were arrested, including 25 minors. Protests also spread to Lisbon in Portugal over affordable housing, while in Albania’s capital Tirana, student protests over tuition cuts and higher government investment in education turned violent, with attacks on police and fires set at government buildings.
