From France to Italy, Why are Young Europeans Angry? | The Palki Sharma Show | India Global Review

Summary

The report asks why young people are protesting across Europe despite the region’s relatively high incomes and extensive welfare systems. The reasons differ by country: education reform in France, housing affordability in Spain, inflation and housing costs in Italy and Portugal, and corruption in Albania. The report argues that these protests reflect shared economic and political anxieties.

Four main pressures

1. Weak economic growth: The global economy is expected to grow by 3.1%, compared with 1.1% in Europe. The report argues that slow growth limits job creation and governments’ ability to fund public services. Borrowing is also difficult: France’s debt is put at 115% of GDP, while its 10-year bond yield is cited as having reached 4.94%, a 24-year high.

2. Rising living costs: The segment links higher oil prices to the war involving Iran, which it attributes to Donald Trump. It also points to Europe’s decision to reduce reliance on Russian energy after 2022, arguing that this contributed to an energy shock. Inflation is cited as rising to 3.8% in September, from 3.2% in August.

3. Shifting priorities and defence spending: Europe is under pressure to take greater responsibility for its security after relying heavily on the United States. The report cites a plan to mobilize €800 billion over four years for defence, including aircraft, air-defence systems, ships, and expanded armed forces. This spending competes with other public needs.

4. Generation Z’s anxiety: Young people face concerns about AI and future employment, climate change, and social-media pressures, while also being criticized by older generations. The report argues that many feel governments are not responding adequately. It distinguishes peaceful protesters from rioters and looters, describing them as separate groups.

Longer-term remedies

The report points to Europe’s ageing population: one in five Europeans is over 65, and the 85-plus age group is growing fastest. It discusses higher birth rates and migration as ways to address demographic decline, while noting that migration has proved difficult to integrate and has contributed to public hostility and gains for anti-immigration parties.

Proposed change in approach

The segment calls for Europe to encourage investment and business activity, reconsider restrictive technology and investment rules, seek agreement on migration, obtain energy from cheaper sources, and reduce dependence on the United States.

Its central conclusion is that European governments should listen to protesters and ensure politics serves people rather than strategic goals or ideological priorities.

Presenter: Palki Sharma