European protests over cost of living, housing and education cuts spread across France, Spain and Italy

Thousands of young people, students, workers and citizens have taken to the streets across France, Spain and Italy to protest against the rising cost of living, housing crisis and cuts to public services.

In France, protests began in mid-September over education cuts, staff shortages and funding problems in schools. Teachers at the Lycée Antoine-de-Saint-Exupéry in Créteil went on strike, and students later joined them. The movement spread nationwide and broadened to include inequality and deteriorating public services.

In Spain, high rents, housing access problems and evictions have driven mobilizations in more than 50 cities. Housing unions called a general strike for November 11.

In Italy, demonstrators demand better wages, quality public services, a fairer tax system and reduced military spending. Protests in several Italian cities have ended in clashes with police and arrests.

Authorities reported arrests and injured officers in various locations. The French government imposed traffic restrictions in some areas due to the seriousness of the disturbances. Unions and Yellow Vest representatives called further mobilizations in France for November 5.