Gen Z drives wave of protests across Europe over education, housing and jobs

Young people in a number of European nations have taken to the streets to demand more investment in education, affordable housing and better job prospects. In Spain, the eviction of an 87-year-old resident sparked protests that spread to Portugal, while French students have rallied in support of striking teachers. Similar actions have occurred in Italy, Greece, Albania and Serbia, often referencing each other’s slogans and tactics.

"I see so many more similarities than differences," said Alice de Brito, vice-president of France’s main student union UNEF. "We are all talking about the need for investments in education, in the universities, in youth in general. But we are also talking about the cost of living, about housing." Italian student leader Sabrina Brizzola added, "Let’s make ourselves heard for schools that don’t collapse on our heads, for safe and dignified work, for public healthcare, for social justice."

Analysts note that the protests reflect broader frustration with what they see as a failure of liberal democracy to deliver improved living standards for the younger generation. Julius Fintelmann, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the European Correspondent newsletter, said the movement is driven by concerns over a precarious job market, the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level positions, and the climate crisis.

Governments face fiscal constraints, with several EU members grappling with high debt and rising bond yields that limit public spending. In Italy, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasized that the country's situation differs from France’s, while French President Emmanuel Macron has banned non-trade-union protests scheduled for Saturday, though a large student demonstration has been authorized.

Protests have also broadened to include other groups. In Portugal, demonstrators have set up a camp in Lisbon’s Rossio Square demanding rent caps and reversal of a law easing evictions. In Italy, truckers have blocked roads over fuel costs, affecting food production. In Albania and Serbia, anti-corruption rallies have escalated, with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama rejecting calls to resign and Serbian students continuing to oppose long-time leader Aleksandar Vučić ahead of parliamentary elections.

Upcoming actions include planned general strikes in France and Spain, a nationwide protest in Germany on October 31, and coordinated student demonstrations in Britain and Italy on November 20.