Europe's Cost-of-Living Protests Spread Across France, Albania, Belgium, and Italy

Violent protests against the rising cost of living erupted across Europe on Saturday, with major incidents reported in France, Albania, Belgium, and Italy. The demonstrations have resulted in hundreds of injuries, numerous arrests, and significant property damage. In France, over 800,000 people joined protests, according to the CGT union, with clashes in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. A protester lost a hand in Saint-Étienne, and 272 people were detained nationwide. In Albania, a fifth day of anti-government unrest in Tirana left 207 injured, including 132 police officers, as protesters demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. The protests stem from widespread economic insecurity as prices rise faster than wages. In Brussels, police used tear gas and water cannons against student demonstrators, while in Milan, clashes broke out near the Duomo cathedral. The Albanian protests began over tuition costs and have expanded into broader calls for government change, following months of peaceful demonstrations against a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner.