Cost of Living Protests Spark Unrest Across Southern Europe
Massive protests over inflation and housing costs erupted in France, Italy, and Spain, leading to military deployments in Milan and a snap election in Spain.
Widespread protests over fuel prices, public services, and the rising cost of living erupted across France, Italy, and Spain during the weekend of October 17–18, 2026. In France, approximately 550,000 people demonstrated, with violent factions known as casseurs looting shops and burning buildings in Marseille and Limoges.
In Italy, thousands protested flat wages and unaffordable rents in Milan, Bologna, and Turin. Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, responded by deploying 500 soldiers to Milan and enacting strict security laws. These measures include the creation of a new crime for violent participation in demonstrations and the imposition of parental financial liability for damages. Mayor Giuseppe Sala suggested the disorder reflected a self-feeding international scenario.
Spanish demonstrations remained largely peaceful but focused heavily on housing. Protests were sparked by the eviction and subsequent death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, leading to the establishment of tent cities in Madrid. Following the failure of tenant-protecting legislation in Parliament, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a surprise snap election for November 29. A general strike in Spain is planned for November 11.
The unrest occurs as France, Italy, and Spain face upcoming elections amid a broader European political shift toward the right.
