Cost-of-living protests hit Belgium, Italy, Portugal and France

· Economy · Belgium · Italy

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Europe on Saturday in separate demonstrations over housing, wages and living costs, putting pressure on governments across the EU. In Brussels, student groups protested against rising education costs and reforms they fear will make higher education less accessible, clashing with police. Italian police clashed with protesters in central Milan, and the Duomo metro station was closed, with several people reported injured. Tens of thousands marched in Lisbon over housing and living costs, saying low wages are failing to keep pace with housing costs. The actions coincided with the far larger French protests that turned violent.

Why it matters：Simultaneous cost-of-living protests in several EU states show how inflation and housing stress are reshaping European politics.

Key points

  • Brussels students protested education costs and reforms, clashing with police.
  • Milan clashes closed the Duomo metro station; several were reported injured.
  • Tens of thousands marched in Lisbon over housing and wages.

Sources (original reporting)

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