Europe's Rising Costs and Housing Crisis Fuel Protests From France to Albania

Social unrest is sweeping across Europe, with protests erupting in France, Spain, Italy, Albania, and Portugal over rising costs, housing crises, and public service failures, leading to arrests, injuries, and property damage. In France, protests over school funding and living costs turned violent, resulting in 2,400 arrests and fires at public buildings, while Spain faces teacher strikes and housing encampments. Italy saw clashes in Milan, Turin, and Bologna, and Albania has endured six days of anti-government demonstrations. The unrest comes as several EU nations approach pivotal elections, with far-right parties gaining ground. In Serbia, student-led anti-corruption protests are challenging a return by populist leader Aleksandar Vucic in upcoming parliamentary elections.