# Cost-of-living protests sweep Belgium, Italy, Portugal and France

https://mins.news/en/item/104667

- Al Jazeera, 2026-10-17 21:02 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/17/cost-of-living-protests-hit-belgium-italy-portugal-and-france?traffic_source=rss

> Hundreds of thousands demonstrated separately in Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal against rising living costs, putting pressure on governments. France saw the largest rallies, while clashes and police dispersals with tear gas and water cannon were reported elsewhere. An EU policy expert said the protests share grievances but are not one coordinated movement.

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