Protests intensify as governments prioritise security measures over addressing underlying social and economic concerns.

Protests across Europe show no sign of abating.

They subside on certain days, only to flare up a few days later. Largely led by young people, demonstrations have swept across at least eight European countries, driven by grievances ranging from school conditions and the cost of diesel to a deeper sense of insecurity about the future – and the feeling that opportunities are increasingly out of reach.

“They are plural and uncoordinated, with no single leader or programme,” said Alberto Alemanno, professor of European Union law and policy at HEC Paris Business School. “So it’s less a rejection of one policy and more a signal that people no longer trust the system to deliver. That’s why they are so critical.”

For governments, addressing discontent is proving difficult. Experts say there is no easy fix, and that many have so far struggled to offer answers beyond a show of force. The protests are likely to continue, they warn.

“Where there has been a reaction, the focus is on public order and security,” Alemanno said. “Part of the reason is that, like any popular protest, these movements include or attract small violent minorities. They dominate the headlines and risk undermining legitimate claims.”

Rallies continue because they are increasingly about more than individual grievances, said Donatella della Porta, a political science professor at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence. While governments have tried to address some of the protesters’ material demands, they have failed to grasp the broader political concerns driving the demonstrations.

“At this point, protests are no longer just about investing more in the school system. There are also fundamental issues, including military spending, governments’ alliance with [United States President Donald] Trump, the rising cost of gasoline and the war in Iran,” she said. “The issue of Palestine is also very central to these protests.”

This week, protesters have continued to blockade several high schools and universities in France, where students have been pushing for better conditions, more teachers and the replacement of Parcoursup, an admission system that some say is discriminatory.

In Germany, metal and electrical workers have gone on strike while students have demonstrated over fears of the return of conscription. In Belgium, firefighters marched through Brussels, demanding more staff and better equipment. And on Friday in Italy, the USB union brought tens of thousands of people together, calling for a reduction in military spending.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/4/why-are-europes-governments-struggling-to-respond-to-growing-protests?traffic_source=rss