European protests over living costs turn violent in France, Albania, and Italy

A wave of protests across Europe on Saturday, October 24, 2026, led to injuries and clashes in Albania, Italy, and France, testing European leaders. The demonstrations were driven by issues including the cost-of-living crisis, education funding, and housing. In France, over 800,000 protesters marched in Paris against inflation and for increased education funding, with police estimating 410,000 attendees. Nearly 1,000 people were arrested after clashes broke out, and tear gas was used in several cities, including Bordeaux, Lille, and Nantes. In Tirana, Albania, protests turned violent as police used plastic bullets and water cannons, injuring eight people, including a student hit in the eye and a journalist with severe burns. In Italy, protests in Milan, Rome, and Turin resulted in injuries, with demonstrators voicing concerns over the housing crisis and high living costs.