Key Takeaways
- Far-right parties gain momentum in Europe amid cost-of-living protests.
- Fuel prices soar, exacerbating economic pressures in France, Italy, and Poland.
- Protests in France turn violent, with shops looted and buildings torched.
Fuel prices are driving cost-of-living protests across Europe, giving far-right parties a boost ahead of elections in France, Italy, and Poland. The US-Iran war, which began in February, has exacerbated the situation by sending energy prices sharply higher.
In France, demonstrations that started over deteriorating school facilities in Paris' northern suburbs have escalated into some of the country's worst unrest in decades. Shops have been looted, buildings torched, and a 19th-century town hall in Limoges set on fire.
Quentin Leviloux, a 21-year-old protester in Nantes, expressed his fears: 'Why am I here? Well, quite simply, I find the current cost of living truly terrifying. Just think of people who earn barely the minimum wage, when you look at the cost of food, fuel, and everything else. It's terrifying how incredibly expensive things have become.'
In Italy, the wealthy northern city of Milan saw police clash with protesters who were hurling stones and looting stores during demonstrations over poor public services and rising living costs. On Sicily’s southern coast, farmers say fuel costs have made operating machinery prohibitively expensive.
Farmers in Gela, Sicily, display banners stating, 'We cultivate the land, we harvest debts,' highlighting the financial strain. Arcangelo Gambino, a farmers’ representative in Caltanissetta province, said, 'The (fuel) cost has more than doubled.'
Roadblocks by truckers, farmers, and steelworkers have disrupted transport across parts of southern Italy, contributing to local fuel shortages and concerns over supermarket supplies.
In Portugal, tens of thousands marched through Lisbon on Saturday over low wages, housing costs, and the rising cost of living. The European Commission estimates the Iran conflict has cost Europe roughly 100 billion ($112 billion) through disrupted trade and energy markets.
Gas prices have jumped about 140 per cent, and diesel prices have doubled. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the 'legitimate demands' of protesters angered by rising living and fuel costs, while condemning those responsible for violence and looting.
Far-right parties are calling for a return to Russian energy, capitalizing on the discontent. The far-right's growing influence is a significant concern for governments and policymakers across Europe.
Why am I here? Well, quite simply, I find the current cost of living truly terrifying.
Quentin Leviloux, 21-year-old protester in Nantes
The (fuel) cost has more than doubled.
Arcangelo Gambino, Farmers’ representative in Caltanissetta province
