Europe's far right gains from fuel-price anger before elections

· Politics · France · European Union

As unrest spreads across France, Europe's far right is gaining from anger over fuel prices ahead of elections. The European Commission estimates the Iran conflict has cost Europe roughly €100 billion through disrupted trade and energy markets. Protests have erupted in France and several other European countries over living costs, poor schooling conditions and a housing crisis. In France, prediction-market odds for Marine Le Pen in the 2027 presidential race have risen amid the unrest. The French government is deploying troops and imposing curfews to restore order.

Why it matters：Economic anger over energy costs is reordering European politics, with mainstream governments squeezed between fiscal limits and public demands.

Key points

  • EU estimates Iran conflict cost Europe about €100bn
  • Prediction-market odds for Le Pen have risen
  • Protests span cost of living, schooling and housing

Sources (original reporting)

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