Europe is counted among the developed regions of the world, but in many countries the youth and common people are concerned about their daily needs. In some places there is a shortage of teachers in schools, in some places the rent has become so expensive that it has become difficult to buy a house, in some places inflation and lack of employment are causing people’s anger. The reasons behind the protests in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium and Albania are different, but they all have one thing in common: people want a better life, affordable amenities and concrete action from the government.

France: Long day at school, still struggles with learning

The protests in France were started by high school students. Their complaints relate to the shortage of teachers in schools, poor buildings, long class hours and the complicated admission process in universities. Some students have to stay in school from 8 am to 6 pm. Long gaps in the time table also drag out their day.

According to a Le Monde report of October 16, 2026, public schools in France have an average of 30.5 students per class. According to the Ministry of Education’s estimate, about 10% of the study hours in the entire year in secondary education are not completed. Reasons for this include unavailability of teachers and school closures. According to the report, high school buildings are an average of 65 years old and vocational high school buildings are 71 years old. Less than 15% of buildings have been renovated in the last 10 years.

Initially, the students’ demand was limited to the education system, but later, people who were worried about inflation and labor unions also joined the protest. The issue of economic pressure due to US bombings and rising fuel prices affecting oil transportation was also discussed. France’s CGT labor union demanded lower prices, higher pensions and better wages. The government has promised to provide additional temporary teachers and withdraw plans to increase university fees.

Spain: The case of an elderly woman became a symbol of the housing crisis

Housing and rent are at the center of protests in Spain. An 87-year-old woman had to vacate her home after an investment fund hiked her rent by 230%. He died two weeks after being admitted to the hospital. The incident added to the ongoing anger against high rents and evictions. However, this phenomenon is being linked to the housing crisis.

The protesters are demanding a cap on rents, a freeze on evictions and a ban on the purchase of residential houses by investment funds. Emergency housing bill failed to pass in Spain. In such a situation, the housing crisis has become a major issue of political debate. According to the report, the possibility of holding elections in Spain on November 29 also makes this discussion important.

Portugal: House prices rise, rents outpace salaries

The housing crisis is also a major source of public anger in Portugal. The average rent in the capital Lisbon is so high compared to the average salary that it can be difficult to save money for other expenses after renting a house.

According to the European Parliament, house prices in Portugal will increase by 124.4% between 2015 and 2024. At the same time, housing data from the Council of the European Union put the estimated rent in Lisbon at 116% of the average salary. This means that even an average wage earner may find it difficult to pay the average rent with his earnings.

Demonstrators here are raising their voices against expensive housing, low pay and the rising cost of living. The crisis is not only for homebuyers but also for young people and families living in rent.

Italy and Albania: From Inflation to Corruption Resentment

In Milan, Italy, there were protests against the rising cost of living and violence in some places. There is dissatisfaction with corruption, lack of employment and poor education in Albania. A controversial coastal development project further fueled the protests. The project is said to be related to Jared Kushner. The cases of these countries show that the cause of dissatisfaction in Europe is not only inflation, but also people’s confidence in employment, education and government decisions.

In Brussels and Liege, Belgium, students clashed with police during demonstrations. There are two main reasons for the protests in Belgium in October. First- opposition to education reform and fee hike and second- the government’s budget cut policies.

Will the impact of the protests be seen in the elections?

Youth anger may have an impact on elections in France and Spain, but the outcome is still undecided. Spain’s government has decided to call early elections amid high rents and a housing crisis. A general election will be held there on 29 November 2026. Dissatisfaction with the education system, inflation and public services in France could be key issues in the April-May 2027 presidential election.

When is the next election in six countries?

• Spain: General election on 29 November 2026.
• France: Presidential Election 18 April 2027; Second phase of polling on 2 May 2027.
• Italy: General elections are likely to be held in October 2027.
• Belgium: The next federal election could be held in 2029.
• Portugal: Next parliamentary elections in September-October 2029.
• Albania: The next parliamentary elections may be held in 2029.

Are these demonstrations a warning to the government?

The reasons for the protests in these countries are different, so it is not appropriate to treat them as one movement. In France the education system and inflation are key issues, in Spain and Portugal housing costs are burdening people, while in Albania there is anger over corruption and lack of employment. But among all these there is a common question that can the youth earn and lead a dignified life even after getting a job or study?

Data from the European Parliament shows that house prices in the EU will increase by an average of 53% between 2015 and 2024. That means housing pressures are not limited to just one country. The European Investment Bank estimated 22.5 million additional housing units for the Union’s needs in 2025. This figure shows that the question of housing availability and prices is a major challenge for policy makers. Despite economic growth, it is becoming difficult for people to get affordable housing, good education for the youth and a dignified life. Governments will now be tested whether they give mere reassurances or take concrete steps to solve the problems of the people.