Wave of Protests Sweeps France, Europe and US Over Rising Costs, Public Spending

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, October 18, 2026: Protests have erupted across several countries, including France, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Albania and the United States, over rising living costs, housing affordability, education funding, public spending and political grievances.

France has witnessed large demonstrations over soaring prices and education funding cuts, with students and teachers protesting poor school conditions. The movement, which began in Paris last month, has spread to other areas, disrupting classes and triggering clashes.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said around 5.5 lakh people participated in demonstrations over declining purchasing power, including 1.1 lakh in Paris.

In Belgium, students have protested against rising education costs and public spending cuts. Clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in Brussels and Liege, prompting the use of water cannons.

Portugal has witnessed marches over low wages, rising living expenses and unaffordable housing. Property prices and rents have surged in recent years, placing growing pressure on young workers and lower-income households.

In Italy, demonstrators have raised concerns over stagnant wages, inflation and the declining ability of households to meet everyday expenses. Clashes were reported in Milan.

Albania has also faced student protests over poor university conditions, high education costs, inadequate financial assistance and limited employment opportunities. Demonstrations outside the Education Ministry in Tirana turned violent on October 13, prompting police action. The protesters subsequently broadened their demands to include inequality and unemployment.

In India, opposition parties and the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party have protested against alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. The Election Commission has denied the allegations.

In the United States, rallies organised by the ’No Kings’ movement were held across cities and communities in opposition to President Donald Trump. The demonstrations also sought to encourage early voting in the upcoming midterm elections.

Across these countries, economic pressures, concerns over public services and dissatisfaction with governments have emerged as common drivers of protests, although the demands and scale of demonstrations vary.