Europe's cost-of-living protests turn violent in France, Italy, and Albania
Widespread protests across Europe over rising costs, housing, and public services have turned violent in France, Italy, and Albania, with arrests, injuries, and property damage reported. The unrest is straining governments ahead of key elections. In France, student-led demonstrations over underfunded schools broadened into wider protests, resulting in 2,400 arrests and fires, including at Limoges' City Hall. Spain faces teacher strikes and housing encampments, while Italy saw riots in Milan, Turin, and Bologna. Albania's anti-corruption movement demands the prime minister's resignation. The protests come as far-right parties gain ground and as Europe navigates support for Ukraine amid US diplomatic overtures to Russia. Right-wing figures, including President Trump, have blamed immigrants for the chaos, though French authorities have not.