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Hundreds of thousands of Europeans protest against high cost of living

By , based on Webdo

Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated on 17 October 2026 in France, Italy, Belgium and Portugal against the high cost of living, difficulties accessing housing and the deterioration of public services. In France, the Interior Ministry counted 550,000 participants, compared with 800,000 according to the unions, Reuters reports.

Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated on Saturday 17 October 2026 in several European countries against the high cost of living, difficulties accessing housing and the deterioration of public services, reports Webdo. Mobilisations took place notably in France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal.

In France, the Interior Ministry estimated the number of participants at around 550,000. The unions put forward a higher figure. The French demonstrations were part of a day of protest organised in several countries.

Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.

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