Rising living expenses, unaffordable housing, and deteriorating public services have ignited widespread demonstrations across France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Belgium. The protests, which intensified dramatically in October 2026, reflect deep mounting frustration among young people and workers over stagnant wages that have failed to keep pace with soaring consumer prices and housing costs.
According to Eurostat data, consumer prices rose between 59% and 78% across France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal between 2000 and 2025. Spain recorded the largest increase at 78%, followed by Portugal at 71%, Italy at 68%, and France at 59%. Inflation accelerated sharply in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reaching annual peaks of 8.7% in Italy, 8.3% in Spain, 8.1% in Portugal, and 5.9% in France. Between 2021 and 2023, prices climbed an additional 12% to 15% across these nations, severely squeezing household budgets.
Education and Cost-of-Living Unrest in France
In France, high school pupils have clashed with police in frequent, often violent protests over long school hours, missing teachers, dilapidated classrooms, and an opaque university admissions system. Students routinely miss months of instruction due to chronic, unfilled staff absences. These demonstrations rapidly expanded as workers and union members joined in to voice anger over surging living costs, particularly fuel price hikes triggered by supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), one of France’s largest trade unions, backed the demonstrations, demanding lower prices, higher pensions, and boosted wages. The unrest has placed intense political pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron, who is nearing the end of his second term ahead of presidential elections scheduled for April 2027.
In response to the demonstrations, the French government announced it would deploy 3,000 additional substitute teachers, include students in school decision-making processes, and scrap plans to raise university registration fees. However, clashes and property destruction persisted, leading Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to blame criminal elements and far-left agitators for widespread looting.
Housing Crises Ignite Protests in Spain and Portugal
Across the Pyrenees, housing affordability has driven intense activism. In Spain, protests erupted in September following the tragic eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, whose rent was raised by 230% by an investment fund. Abascal died a fortnight after being admitted to the hospital, sparking national outrage. Protesters have demanded rent freezes, enhanced tenant protections, and strict regulations on short-term rentals and investment funds.
The political fallout led Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call a snap election for November 29 after right-wing and far-right parties defeated emergency housing legislation that included a ban on evictions until 2030.
Similar housing pressures sparked protests in central Lisbon, Portugal. Official data indicates that Portuguese house prices more than doubled between 2015 and 2024, surging roughly twice as fast as the European Union average and leaving residents struggling to secure basic accommodation.
Clashes in Italy and Wider European Unrest
In Italy, cost-of-living anger boiled over into street demonstrations in Milan, Turin, and Bologna. While marches began peacefully, masked rioters threw stones, paving blocks, and other objects at riot police while setting fire to barricades made from bar tables.
Simultaneously, demonstrations continued in Albania against Prime Minister Edi Rama, driven by public grievances over corruption, job scarcity, and education standards. The unrest in Albania began during the summer, initially sparked by opposition to a luxury coastal development project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 2026 protests across Europe?
The protests were triggered by a combination of surging living costs, extreme housing and rent inflation, deteriorating public education infrastructure, and stagnant wages that failed to keep pace with post-pandemic and inflation spikes.
Which countries are most affected by the demonstrations?
France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Belgium have experienced the most prominent demonstrations, while Albania has faced separate ongoing protests regarding government corruption and economic opportunities.
How have European governments responded to the unrest?
Governments have offered mixed responses. France committed to hiring 3,000 substitute teachers and scrap university fee hikes. In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attempted emergency housing reforms before calling a snap election after opposition parties defeated the bill.
What role did housing costs play in Spain and Portugal?
Soaring rents and aggressive eviction practices by investment funds drove thousands into the streets. In Spain, public anger surged after an 87-year-old woman died following a massive rent hike and subsequent eviction.
When are the next major political votes scheduled in response to the crises?
Spain is holding a snap general election on November 29, while France is scheduled to hold its next presidential election in April 2027.
