Protests and clashes with police reported across several European countries

Protests over political, economic and social issues were reported in several European countries on Saturday, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces in a number of cities, according to a report carried by Al Jazeera and cited by Mehr News.

In Italy, thousands of people, including students, truck drivers and farmers, took to the streets against rising living costs, particularly for housing and fuel, and against a reduction in government support. Demonstrators criticised the implementation of security measures rather than action on their demands. Protests were also held in major cities including Rome, Turin, Bologna and Milan against the war in the Middle East. Clashes occurred between citizens and security forces, and at least 371 people, including 110 minors, were detained.

In Albania, students led protests against government corruption, scandals, declining job opportunities and the quality of education. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and criticised a luxury project in the country involving the Trump family. The protests escalated into clashes with security forces, with police using tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Protesters set fires near the entrance to the Ministry of Agriculture in the capital, and in other cities set fires at government buildings and banks and used fireworks. Windows of several shops were also smashed.

In Belgium, hundreds of young people protested against austerity policies and education reforms, calling for increased financial support for education as well as improvements to purchasing power and public services. They also criticised the violence used by police, who employed tear gas and pepper spray to disperse them. Demonstrators at Albertine Square voiced opposition to the federal government's policies, and in the Saint-Gilles area protesters set fire to some barriers erected by security forces.

In France, the Interior Ministry said 410,000 people took part in nationwide demonstrations on Saturday against high prices and the cost of living. Agence France-Presse, citing police, reported that tear gas and water cannons were used to counter unrest in Paris, and a number of protesters were arrested. According to Mehr News, which cited the Al Jazeera report, the wave of demonstrations reflected public concern over political, economic and social conditions across the continent.