In recent days, there has been rioting in Europe, in places like Belgium, France, and Milan, Italy.
A lot of these protests have their official focus on the skyrocketing cost of living. These include the famous student protests throughout France, and which did considerable damage across the country. The town hall of Limoges was mostly destroyed. Buildings were set ablaze in Paris and elsewhere. There was rioting in several parts of France. It was the worst unrest seen in the country in years. There are reports that whole streets in Paris were completely devastated. Some witnesses suggested that it looked and felt like a war zone.
French President Macron said that he was angry. However, he stopped short of declaring a State of Emergency, at least for now.
"Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves: What was going through their minds? How can French people do this to France?" Macron said in a televised address to the nation.
"Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame."
Similar scenes occurred in Milan, Italy. There were protests which turned violent and saw parts of that city seeing damage as well.
There are fears that this situation, and the tensions from the higher cost of living across Europe, are setting up a tinderbox situation just prior to a major election year for numerous European nations next year. That includes both France and Italy.
Macron urges calm as France counts cost of worst unrest in years By Sybille de La Hamaide, Clotaire Achi and Abdul Saboor October 18, 2026:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-faces-aftermath-worst-unrest-years-2026-10-18/
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