Protests across France, Italy, Portugal, and Albania trigger arrests and security crackdowns

Waves of protests have erupted across France, Italy, Portugal, and Albania, leading to clashes, arrests, and heightened security measures as thousands take to the streets over economic concerns. In France, authorities are preparing for new demonstrations with night curfews and mass police deployment after riots on October 17 left over 2,500 people in custody. Italy has approved sending 500 additional soldiers to Milan, while Portugal saw 55 arrests during housing protests in Lisbon. Albanian student protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama continued for an eighth day, with demonstrators throwing stones and Molotov cocktails as police responded with tear gas. The unrest highlights shared grievances over living costs and housing crises across Europe.