European Cost-of-Living Protests Spread as Clashes Hit Italy, Belgium

Protests over housing costs, low wages and rising education fees spread across Italy, Portugal and Belgium over the weekend, as unrest that began in France and Spain gained momentum across Europe.

In Milan, a demonstration that began peacefully on Oct. 17 against the rising cost of living and low pay descended into clashes between protesters and police. Young people dressed in black and wearing masks threw stones, paving blocks, fireworks and bottles at riot police, and set fire to barricades made from bar tables.