Europe's Cost-of-Living Protests Spread to Portugal and Belgium

Hundreds of thousands of Europeans protested across multiple countries on Monday over rising food prices, low wages, and unaffordable housing, with demonstrations turning violent in France, Belgium, and Italy. In France, protests over living costs and deteriorating public services led to riots in Paris, Limoges, and Lyon, with town halls set ablaze and looted. In Portugal, unions demanded wage increases and housing solutions, while Belgian protesters clashed with police in Brussels and Liege. The protests were not part of a single European movement, but reflect widespread household financial strain. Eurostat data shows EU food prices rose 34% since August 2021, though comparisons exclude taxes and rent.