Protests across Europe: Hundreds of thousands in France, clashes in Italy, and an encampment cleared in Lisbon
Hundreds of thousands demonstrated across Europe demanding improved public services, protection of pensions, and action on the cost of living and housing crisis. In France, clashes occurred at the end of mostly peaceful marches; in Italy, nine were arrested; in Portugal, an encampment was cleared in Lisbon; and in Albania, the entrance to a government ministry was set on fire.
Hundreds of thousands of people protested yesterday (Saturday) in cities across Europe demanding improved public services, protection of pensions, and action on the cost of living and housing crisis. In France, where the largest protests took place, the marches were mostly peaceful, but in some cities they ended in clashes with police. According to the French Interior Ministry, about 410,000 people participated in the protests, including 110,000 in Paris. The CGT trade union estimated the number of participants at around 800,000. In Italy, nine people were arrested and 371 were detained. The protests are based on different demands in each country, with no evidence of a common European leadership. The article also covers protests in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Albania, detailing the events and clashes in each country.