Europe protests grow as rising living costs meet government spending cuts

Public anger is growing across Europe as rising living costs collide with government spending cuts, putting pressure on essential services and household budgets.

Al Jazeera's Rosie Birchard reports from Brussels, where social worker Hafid Jourhi describes the difficulties of supporting disadvantaged communities as public services struggle to meet growing needs.

At local markets, residents express frustration over rising prices and pensions that have failed to keep pace with living costs. Experts point to a combination of economic pressures, including energy costs and the impact of artificial intelligence on the wider economy.

The French and Belgian governments are proposing billions in budget reductions as they seek to comply with European Union fiscal rules while increasing defence spending.

Meanwhile, protests by healthcare workers and other citizens reflect growing frustration over public services, economic insecurity and what demonstrators describe as a widening gap between government decisions and everyday realities.

As pressure mounts on households and essential services, the report examines whether Europe's spending policies could trigger further social unrest.

Al Jazeera's Rosie Birchard reports from Brussels

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