ALMOST entire Europe witnessed some of its worst riots in recent years last week, ringing alarm bells for governments and residents. Violent clashes erupted across England, France, Albania, Italy, Portugal and Belgium on 17 October 2026, as protests over rising living costs, housing affordability, declining public services and education standards turned violent. Paris was worst hit, with normal life paralyzed, hundreds of vehicles burnt and extensive damage to public buildings and private property. The protests, marked by massive public participation, appeared well-coordinated and driven by widespread economic and social grievances. High inflation, soaring food and fuel prices and geopolitical disruptions affecting energy supplies have further strained household budgets. In France, reportedly one in three people ends each month with an overdrawn bank account. The immediate trigger was the eviction of an 87-year-old woman after an investment fund increased her rent by 230%; she later died in hospital. Protesters demanded rent freezes, protection against evictions and regulation of short-term rentals.

Similar pleas were made across the Iberian border in Portugal, when hundreds gathered in central Lisbon. Portuguese housing prices more than doubled between 2015 and 2024, roughly twice as fast as the EU average, according to official data. Squeezed household budgets were also at the center of marches in Milan, Italy. Masked rioters seemingly later seized on the protests to throw stones, paving blocks and other objects at riot police and setting fire to........

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