Protests driven largely by young people and students are spreading across Europe and South America, fuelled by soaring prices, cuts to education budgets and unemployment. The unrest in France, Italy, Portugal and Argentina is putting political pressure on leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
France
The situation is most acute in France, where what began as a small protest in schools over budget cuts has grown into a nationwide movement. Ahead of the presidential election, students and teachers have been demonstrating over rising prices, deteriorating school conditions and education spending cuts. More than 100,000 people marched in Paris, and about 550,000 took part nationwide. Buses have been set on fire amid the unrest.
Belgium
Students took to the streets over sharply rising university fees and housing costs. Police used water cannon on demonstrators in Brussels.
Portugal
Housing prices and rents in Lisbon have doubled since 2017, leaving many young people unable to find homes. Thousands have protested against the government, saying wages have failed to keep pace.
Italy
In Milan, protesters rallied over stagnant wages and the rising cost of daily living. Minor clashes were reported.
Albania
Students have voiced anger over the poor state of universities, high fees and a lack of jobs after graduation. Police were deployed after protesters threw stones and concrete blocks at the Ministry of Education building.
Argentina
In Buenos Aires, students and police clashed after the government cut higher education funding. Courts have ordered the government to provide universities with adequate funds, but the ruling has reportedly not been implemented, fuelling the confrontations.
Turkey
Elderly citizens and workers have protested against runaway inflation and inadequate pensions. The depth of the hardship was underscored by the reported suicide of a retired police officer.
India
Demonstrations are also under way in India, where a paper leak in the NEET medical entrance exam has sparked large protests. Separately, opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.