Protests sweep across Europe from France to Albania, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Protests took place across Europe on Saturday, with demonstrators in Spain calling for better pensions, Italians protesting over living costs and government policies, and anti-government rallies in Albania turning violent. In Madrid, thousands marched to demand pensions that keep pace with inflation, higher minimum payments, and better protection for the public pension system. Trade unions supported the protests. In Italy, demonstrations took place in several cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin, and Naples. Protesters are angry about rising prices, low wages, military spending and government policies. Authorities deployed 500 soldiers in addition to police after clashes last weekend caused damage in Milan. In Albania, thousands gathered in the capital Tirana for another anti-government protest. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd as government buildings were attacked. Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police have been injured in clashes since mid-October while dozens of demonstrators were detained. Students are demanding lower tuition fees, more state funding for education, and action on corruption. Many protesters called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.