And why is France becoming so poor?
Amid a wave of diverse local grievances, protests have erupted across Southern and Western Europe this week, sweeping through France, Albania, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
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French President Emmanuel Macron called for “calm and order” after riots and looting spread across France during protests over rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and deteriorating public services. About 1,800 people were arrested nationwide after the violence broke out, including in places such as Paris and Limoges.
Riots and violent clashes spread across France, Albania, Italy, Portugal and Belgium on 17 October 2026, as demonstrations over rising living costs, declining public services, housing affordability
Demonstrations against living costs and school conditions have rocked France since late September, with many turning violent.
Meanwhile, Albania has entered its fifth day of anti-government riots and protests over general economic conditions have taken place in Milan and in several cities in Portugal.
Spanish protests targeted housing affordability and the right to housing, while motor oil refinery workers in Greece gathered over demands for better workplace safety.
Former U.S. consul general in France Simon Hankinson reacts to violent unrest gripping the country and discusses mass migration, assimilation and the political forces fueling the chaos.
Read more at:
Organizer.org, Fox News, Newsweek.cim
