European Cities Brace for Major Protests as Pension Disputes and Living Costs Fuel Unrest

Large demonstrations are expected across European cities on Saturday, with a quarter of a million people already taking to the streets in Madrid, Spain's capital. The Madrid protest occurs amid a political dispute over Spain's pension system, with Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accusing the right of planning to weaken inflation-adjusted increases. Participants, around 250,000 according to authorities, marched peacefully carrying signs reading "protect and guarantee our pensions." Beyond France's unrest, protests are planned in Albania's Tirana against Prime Minister Edi Rama, while Italy braces for demonstrations over high living costs in Rome, Milan, and other cities, with heightened police presence and drone surveillance following last week's violent clashes.