Europe | 22 October 2026
The story in brief
People in several European countries are protesting about rising prices, expensive housing and problems with schools and healthcare.
Who is involved?
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Protesters: Students, workers and other people calling for change.
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European governments: Leaders facing demands to improve living conditions.
What happened?
During October, large protests took place in several European countries.
People are protesting about different issues:
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France: Poor conditions in schools.
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Spain and Portugal: The high cost of housing.
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Italy: Low wages and problems with healthcare.
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Albania: Government corruption, which means leaders using their power dishonestly.
Many people marched peacefully. However, some protests involved violence and arrests.
What is the background?
Everyday costs, including fuel and rent, have risen in many European countries.
Some people are struggling to pay their bills.
There are also concerns about services such as schools and healthcare.
Why does it matter?
The protests are putting pressure on governments to respond to people's concerns.
Protesters want changes that will improve their everyday lives.
What happens next?
Spain's government could not get enough support for its plans to make housing more affordable.
Spain will now hold an early national election in November.
In Italy, one protest group plans to hold demonstrations every Saturday.