Europe’s crisis of discontent: Student and cost-of-living protests spread across EU

Protests over student concerns and the cost of living have spread across France and other European countries, reflecting growing discontent amid economic pressure. The unrest is testing public trust in governments and drawing scrutiny of how authorities manage demonstrations.

Demonstrations have taken place in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal as well as France. Many have been peaceful, though some have involved clashes, looting and damage; authorities have also faced criticism over alleged excessive force and mass arrests. France’s public debt is projected to reach 120 per cent of GDP by 2027, while inflation across the EU and eurozone rose to 3.8 per cent in September, from 2.1 per cent in 2024.