PNN – Key events in Europe over the past week included protests in Madrid against the situation in Ceuta and the housing crisis, the torching of schools in France, record-high diesel prices, a security incident near a US base in the UK, and the launch of an investigation into the Epstein case in Norway.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the past week in Europe saw significant events, including demonstrations in Madrid against the housing crisis and the crisis in Ceuta, student protests in France, record-high diesel prices in the UK alongside a security incident at a US base there, and the launch of a Norwegian parliamentary inquiry into links between political and diplomatic figures and Epstein.
Madrid hosted public protests against the housing crisis and the forced eviction of tenants.
Tens of thousands of people in Madrid marched and rallied to protest the housing crisis, demanding greater support for tenants, a halt to rising rents, and an end to forced evictions.
The crowd took to the streets on Saturday to protest forced evictions and demand the right to housing.
The rally centered on the case of Mari Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman forced to leave the home where she had lived for 70 years. Her case has drawn widespread attention across Spain.
Protesters marched under the slogan: No more Mari Carmens.
Thousands protest in Madrid against the migration crisis in Ceuta.
On Saturday, September 25, thousands of people in Madrid participated in the second “March for Dignity”—a demonstration where protesters called for general elections and support for Ceuta amidst the region’s ongoing migration crisis.
The rally was organized by the “Spanish Civil Society” group with the backing of the People’s Party (PP) and the Vox party; Vox leader Santiago Abascal was also in attendance.
He insisted that migrants who had entered Ceuta must be returned to their countries of origin and criticized the Spanish government’s handling of the crisis. The crisis began in late July, when tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish territory in North Africa.
Criticizing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Abascal claimed that the crisis in Ceuta is ongoing and that the Spanish government’s policies have exacerbated the influx of migrants.
French students set schools on fire in protest against the education system.
French students continued nationwide protests against school conditions, clashing with police in some instances and setting fire to a school.
In Paris, police used tear gas on Thursday, October 1, to disperse protesters, while the entrances to several schools in the French capital were set ablaze.
These demonstrations are part of a broader student movement calling for increased school funding across France.
French media outlets published similar scenes of protests in cities such as Lille, Nantes, Rennes, and Marseille.
Parisian authorities reported that dozens of people were injured during the protests. According to officials, the injuries resulted from the throwing of objects and the use of projectiles by police for riot control.
British police reported a security incident near a US bomber base.
British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists were deployed to the Welford area of Gloucestershire on the morning of Sunday, September 27, and began examining several vehicles that had drawn police attention in connection with the case.
Gloucestershire Police announced that several men had been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody for questioning. The individuals face preliminary charges related to offenses under the Explosives Act.
Meanwhile, police have cordoned off the area surrounding the operation site, and residents of several nearby homes were required to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
Diesel prices in the UK have hit a record high.
On Monday, September 28, the automotive services organization RAC announced that the average price of diesel at UK filling stations had reached 199.18 pence per liter, surpassing the previous record of 199.09 pence set in June 2022.
According to the organization’s data, the price of diesel has risen by 39.9% since the start of the US military aggression against Iran last March, and the cost of filling a family car’s fuel tank has reached nearly £110—approximately £31 more than it was prior to the aggression.
Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy, warned that the consequences of this price hike are not limited to drivers; the cost of transporting goods via diesel trucks and vans will also be passed on to consumers.
He urged the government to alleviate the burden on drivers by cutting fuel duty or VAT. The RAC also reported that the average price of petrol has reached 174.13 pence per liter, marking a 31.1% increase since last March.
Norwegian Parliament launches inquiry into links between political and diplomatic figures and Epstein.
On Wednesday, September 30, the Norwegian parliament began public hearings regarding the ties between the country’s political officials and diplomats and Jeffrey Epstein—a case that has had far-reaching consequences for a number of Norwegian political and diplomatic figures.
In January, the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump released millions of documents related to Epstein, revealing the American financier’s connections to politicians, members of royal families, and wealthy individuals across various countries.
In Norway, the release of these documents raised questions regarding the ties between certain high-ranking officials and Epstein, prompting parliamentary and police investigations.
Jonas Andersen Sayed, chair of the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs, stated that the government must explain what steps it is taking to restore public trust in the diplomatic service.