Youth-Led Riots Spread Across Europe Over Cost of Living
Protesters across Europe clashed with police and looted businesses over housing, education, and the Gaza war, prompting governments to deploy armies and toughen penalties.
Widespread youth-led protests and riots swept through Europe on October 25 and 26, 2026, driven by grievances over housing costs, fuel prices, education, and the conflict in Gaza. In France, 400,000 people marched against President Emmanuel Macron, resulting in over 1,300 arrests and numerous lootings. In Serbia, two years of student-led unrest culminated in the ousting of President Aleksandar Vučić during Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, responded to nationwide unrest by deploying 500 soldiers to Milan and approving strict security measures. These include increased prison sentences for riot-related crimes and holding families financially responsible for damages. In Rome, demonstrators waving Palestinian flags briefly forced their way into the Colosseum; while some reports described the event as a storming by migrants and leftists, the Ministry of Culture of Italy stated no injuries or damage occurred.
In Albania, protests in Tirana turned violent as demonstrators set government buildings on fire. Prime Minister Edi Rama called for dialogue with students but vowed a tougher stance, proposing new fines for those participating in violent gatherings. Similar unrest occurred in Spain and Portugal, where thousands marched in Madrid and Lisbon to protest pension privatization and housing costs, leading to 128 arrests and 23 looted businesses in Barcelona.
