Suryaa National Desk: The European countries that once ruled the world are now reeling from intense public protests. France, Belgium, Portugal,... The European countries that once ruled the world are now reeling from intense public protests. In leading countries such as France, Belgium, Portugal and Italy, millions of people have taken to the streets against the skyrocketing cost of living, low wages, skyrocketing rents and deteriorating public services. The agitation started by the students against the budget cuts in the education sector gradually expanded to include the labor unions and the common people.
The lives of the common man became chaotic as the prices of essential commodities and fuel became burdensome due to the skyrocketing inflation. As the protests escalated, tension prevailed in many major cities. Especially in France, when the protestors moved on a large scale, the protests turned violent and clashes took place in some areas. Damage to public property and attacks on government buildings and vehicles forced security forces to use tear gas and water cannons. Thousands of people were detained by the police in the wake of these riots.
These protests by students, teachers and workers pose serious political challenges to the governments of the respective countries. These concerns are fueled by growing public discontent over issues such as governments' economic policies, the impact of immigration and unemployment. The movement became the subject of international debate as the impact of protests in one country quickly spread to the youth of another country through the social media platform. There is great anticipation as to what effect this crisis will have on European politics in the coming days.