Key facts
- Protests over cost of living, housing, and education are occurring in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
- Over 1,000 arrests were made in France amid widespread demonstrations.
- Damage in Milan, Italy, was estimated at 1 million euros.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called a snap election following a vote against housing market regulations.
Protests are intensifying across several European Union member states, including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, driven by concerns over rising living costs, housing affordability, and education. These domestic issues have spilled into the European Parliament, where political groups are trading hostile exchanges. In France, widespread demonstrations and violence have led to over 1,000 arrests, with speculation of an emergency declaration. Italy is also experiencing unrest, with significant damage to shops in Milan and planned troop deployments. Spain is grappling with a housing crisis, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call a snap election after key legislation failed to pass. Political extremes in France and Italy may see an opportunity in the current climate ahead of upcoming general elections.