European cost-of-living protests spread across France, Italy and Portugal

Protests broke out in France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal on 17 October 2026 over rising living costs, housing affordability, education and public services. Some gatherings remained peaceful, while others turned into confrontations, looting and property damage.

In France, student protests over teacher shortages and deteriorating school conditions spread into nationwide demonstrations over inequality, public spending and rising costs. Demonstrators faced tear gas fired by riot police during a high-school protest in Lyon.

“Governments cannot take public confidence for granted when improvements in national indicators fail to translate into greater security at home.”

Tens of thousands marched through Lisbon on 17 October against rising living costs and unaffordable housing, with some protesters setting up tent encampments. House prices have more than doubled since 2017, and rents on new leases have nearly doubled.

In Italy, protests over economic pressures saw clashes in some locations. The demonstrations were not coordinated and should not be read as a single movement.

Analysts warn that economic indicators can look sound while citizens feel increasingly insecure, and that governments risk losing public confidence when essential services visibly deteriorate.