Europe Braces for Weekend Protests Over Living Costs

European authorities are preparing for fresh protests across multiple countries this weekend, following weeks of demonstrations over rising living costs, stagnant wages, and other social issues. France has deployed around 70,000 police officers to prevent a repeat of last weekend's violence, which included looting and clashes. In Italy, protests are planned in Rome and Milan, with hundreds of police deployed and 500 soldiers dispatched to Milan after recent riots led to 32 arrests and 14 officer injuries. Spain and Portugal are bracing for marches over housing costs, while Albania, Greece, Austria, and Ireland are also seeing planned gatherings. The unrest has included a racially motivated terror attack near Paris, and U.S. officials warned Americans to avoid crowded areas ahead of an NFL game. Nearly 180 protests have occurred across 12 European countries between mid-September and October 23, according to El País.