Activists urge European cost-of-living protests in late November

Housing rights advocates, unions, and activists from seven European nations have called for coordinated demonstrations against the escalating cost of living in late November. Following spontaneous protests in various European countries, representatives from France, Britain, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece gathered in Paris to urge rallies on November 20th and the weekend afterward.

These organizations criticize the rapid increase in living expenses, particularly housing, which has become unaffordable for many, alongside rising food and transportation costs. They warn of a potential return to austerity measures imposed by public-debt creditors and the arms race. Key demands include guaranteeing housing rights, implementing price controls on housing, food, and energy, raising wages and pensions, and ensuring universal access to high-quality public services like education and healthcare.

French participants include the USL high school student association, which has been involved in school strikes since September, as well as the CGT labour union and the Yellow Vest movement. UK groups represented include the London Renters Union and the Greater Manchester Tenants Union.