Europe Fuel Protests Lift Far Right as €100 Billion Iran War Shock Hits Elections
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Oct 20
Europe Fuel Protests Lift Far Right as €100 Billion Iran War Shock Hits Elections
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Oct 20
Summary
France’s unrest has become some of the country’s worst in decades as protests over fuel and living costs spread beyond schools to looting, arson and nationwide anti-government anger.
€100 billion in estimated damage from the U.S.-Iran war has jolted Europe through disrupted trade and energy markets, with gas prices up about 140% and diesel prices doubled.
Italy, Portugal, Spain and Belgium have also seen demonstrations, while trucker and farmer roadblocks in southern Italy have disrupted transport and raised fears over fuel and supermarket supplies.
Marine Le Pen in France and AfD in Germany are gaining from the squeeze by centering campaigns on fuel bills, tax cuts and arguments for restoring Russian energy ties.
Across Europe, the energy shock is sharpening pressure on governments already battling inflation, weak growth and budget strains ahead of elections next year.