Cost of living protests sweep Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal

Hundreds of thousands of Europeans protested across Belgium, France, Italy, and Portugal on Saturday against the rising cost of living, intensifying pressure on national governments. France saw its largest demonstrations in decades, with over 550,000 participants and clashes with police. In Brussels, police used tear gas and water cannon against protesters accused of throwing missiles and setting fires, while tens of thousands marched in Lisbon over low wages and soaring housing costs. Italian police reported clashes in Milan and Bologna, with injuries and arrests reported. Experts say the unrest may spread to Greece, Germany, and Austria, with new protests expected in the coming week. The demonstrations occur ahead of a "super-cycle" of national elections in Spain, France, Italy, and Poland over the next 12 months.