Last Saturday, hundreds of thousands of Europeans in countries including Belgium, France, Italy, and Portugal held multiple uncoordinated protests against the rising cost of living, putting pressure on EU governments. In France, over 550,000 people participated in demonstrations, with clashes between protesters and police in several locations; Belgian police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters; tens of thousands marched in Portugal, protesting high living costs, low wages, and housing difficulties; clashes between protesters and police also occurred in Milan and Bologna, Italy, resulting in injuries and arrests.