Rising cost of living protests pressure governments in France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal
Large demonstrations in France
France endured one of its most turbulent protest days in decades, with more than 550,000 people joining demonstrations. Police confronted protesters in different parts of the country. The protests were part of separate, uncoordinated actions against rising living costs across Europe. An analyst told Al Jazeera that France was at the centre of the movement and that it appeared to be spreading beyond the country.
Police use water cannon in Liege
In Liege, east of Brussels, police deployed water cannon to disperse demonstrators. Police did not provide an estimate of how many people attended. The demonstrations added to pressure on governments across the European Union, though the actions were not coordinated with one another.
Dispute over Portugal protests
Portugal’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister Carlos Abreu Amorim said Friday that the government would not yield to street protests. Protesters, in turn, described their leaders as out of touch with the cost-of-living problem. The article does not give an attendance figure for demonstrations in Portugal or Italy.
More mobilisation expected
Alemanno said early signs of a movement were emerging in Greece, Germany and Austria, with mobilisation expected in the coming week. The unrest comes as Europe approaches what Alemanno described as an unprecedented cycle of national elections over the next 12 months. Votes are scheduled in Spain, France, Italy and Poland.
Key points
- More than 550,000 people joined demonstrations in France.
- Police used water cannon at protests in Liege but gave no attendance figure.
- Portugal’s minister said the government would not yield to street protests.
- Alemanno said mobilisation may grow in Greece, Germany and Austria.