Protests and riots have erupted in several European cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Milan, with reports of fires, damage to public buildings, and clashes with police.
What happened
In France, demonstrations in October brought hundreds of thousands into the streets, with violent confrontations and damage reported in several cities. Similarly, in Italy, protests turned violent, with stone-throwing and police use of tear gas reported in Milan and other northern cities.
European leaders, including President Trump, National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, have spoken out about the need for stronger enforcement against unauthorized immigration and the importance of preserving national identity.
The crisis in Europe is also demographic, with a fertility rate of approximately 1.34 births per woman in 2024, far below the rate needed for long-term population replacement. This has led to an aging population, placing pressure on pensions, healthcare, and public finances.
Experts argue that Europe's political class has lost the will to defend the foundations of national life, and that the continent must secure its borders, reverse demographic decline, restore public order, and recover the conviction that its civilization is worth preserving.
