Thousands of people took to the streets across France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal on Saturday to protest rising living costs, low wages and housing shortages, putting pressure on governments across the European Union.

France saw the largest demonstrations, with more than 550,000 people participating nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry. The rallies turned violent in several cities, with looting, fires and clashes with police.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police officers injured. In Limoges, masked protesters set fire to the town hall, causing extensive damage.

In Brussels and Liege, Belgian police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators. In Lisbon, tens of thousands marched over low wages, soaring rents and difficulties accessing affordable housing.

In Milan, Italy, protesters clashed with riot police, looted shops and set fires. Around 50 demonstrators were detained and at least two officers injured, local media reported.

According to Al Jazeera, the protests reflect growing public frustration over living costs, underfunded education and uncertain job prospects, although the demonstrations were not part of a single coordinated movement. An EU policy expert warned that further protests could emerge in other European countries in the coming weeks.

BOB Post