Protests across Europe show people have finally had enough of social inequality

For many, government no longer serves the people

Inequality is rife. While billionaires play with flying cars, the people ask just to be able to afford to eat, get a good education and be housed.

While the media focuses on France, protests are taking place across Europe, in Albania, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

People once dreamed of being rich - some got there - now people just want the bare minimum.

For many, government no longer serves the people - so here's what people in each country are protesting against.

France

The most covered protests in the media, the French are leading the way in protesting as always. Unrest started over a broken education system which spread to anger over the cost of living and wealth inequality.

A placard reads: "Tax the rich". Image: Getty.

The violent police response and lack of constructive government action has only added fuel to the fire, notably French President Emmanuel Macron jetting off to the Middle East leaving his deputies in charge to also do nothing.

Of course, no one condones the violence and looting which has happened, but it is vital to remember those who participated in crime make up a tiny percent of the millions of people who have peacefully taken to French streets in the last month.

Albania

Protests have ramped up in the last weeks as part of the ongoing ‘Flamingo Revolution’ demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign over alleged government corruption.

The actual movement has been going on for months, born out of controversial plans for a luxury tourism and coastal developments backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

A placard directed at Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Image: Getty.

The name 'Flamingo Revolution' comes from the claims by demonstrators that the bird would become extinct on an island near the coastal city of Vlora, if the plans went ahead.

Meanwhile, students are also fighting for better education conditions, like many across Europe.

Italy

Protests in Italy follow the same trends - anger over the never ending rise in the cost of living, dislike of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and government policies, as well as, once again, poor school and university conditions.

Many placards across the country talk about funding education not arms, the cost of food, and low wages.

A protester holds a placard reading: "Fund schools, not genocide." Image: Getty.

In Rome, thousands joined a demonstration organised by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) with a general strike announced for November 20.

Belgium

It’s not just French students who are angry about the state of their education, but their neighbours in Belgium too. Protests across the country also took aim at austerity measures as well as the cost of living and social inequality.

A protester holds a placard reading: "Look at your Rolex, it's time for revolt." Image: Getty.

Portugal

Unrest has also spread to the Iberian peninsula where inflation, living costs and housing are major issues.

Thousands have taken to the streets in major cities to protest, notably camping out in protest of the housing crisis while placards complain of living conditions.

A placard reads: "Shi**y salaries don't pay for concrete ceilings." Image: Getty.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez tried to pass through measures to tackle the housing crisis in his minority government.

However, the bill was voted down leading to mass protests across the country.

This ultimately led to the Spanish PM calling a snap election earlier this month to try and finally bring about a solution.

Meanwhile Spain continues to tackle similar issues to much of Europe, stagnating wages in the face of spiralling inflation.