Europe braces for weekend protests as France and Italy deploy military
Authorities in France and Italy are bracing for potential unrest this weekend, implementing unprecedented security measures that include the deployment of the military. In France, approximately 1,000 soldiers from Operation Sentinelle will be mobilized to guard sensitive sites, freeing up police resources to manage protests amid renewed activity from the "Yellow Vests" movement. Localized curfews have been imposed in Paris and Marseille following waves of looting and clashes that resulted in nearly 2,400 arrests and hundreds of police injuries. Similarly, Italy is reinforcing Milan with 500 troops following violent confrontations that forced luxury retailers to shutter their stores. The social unrest is not isolated to these two nations; Portugal and Spain are grappling with ongoing housing protests, and Albania is witnessing demonstrations against corruption and academic conditions. This broad wave of dissent highlights a growing rift between European governments and citizens, challenging the stability of current administrations.
