Young people across Europe are taking to the streets to protest against rising rents, poor school facilities, a lack of jobs and the high cost of living.
The protests began over different issues in different countries. In France, students joined teachers to demand better schools. In Albania, protests began over a planned luxury development backed by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. But we are also talking about the cost of living, about housing.”
In Spain, Gen Z are protesting over the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home.
Alice de Brito, vice president of France’s main student union, UNEF, told CNN , “I see so many more similarities than differences We are all talking about the need for investments in education, in the universities, in youth in general.
Students and teachers in Italy and Greece are also demanding better schools, free public education and more government spending on public services. After the protests turned violent last week in Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected calls to step down and blamed political opponents for the unrest.
Some protesters chanted, “From Greece to France, we want public, free education,” according to Reuters . One protester told Reuters, “We want a change, that’s why we’re here. The protester added, “We want a revolution, we want a new government, we are not looking for any negotiations, we need a new government as soon as possible.”
Julius Fintelmann, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the European Correspondent daily newsletter, said the protests showed that young people were frustrated with their governments.”The feeling that Europe’s politics is failing to deliver for the next generation,” he said.
