Widespread social protests erupt across European capitals

Major European cities, including Paris, Berlin, and Rome, saw significant protests on Saturday as citizens demonstrated against the rising cost of living, energy prices, and unemployment. French authorities reported 422 arrests during demonstrations that saw tens of thousands take to the streets. In Germany, protests took place in over 30 cities with demands for better public services, occasionally turning violent in locations like Frankfurt and Hamburg. Similar waves of social unrest occurred in Italy, Portugal, Albania, the Netherlands, and Poland, covering issues ranging from housing rights to government accountability. Across the continent, security forces were placed on high alert as online calls for action fueled the scale of these mobilizations.