France and Italy blame foreign powers for social media unrest

French and Italian ministers have accused foreign powers of using social media to fuel violent riots across Europe, Euronews reported. However, Euronews noted that the European Commission currently lacks conclusive evidence that foreign networks are driving the unrest, despite calls from national governments for action against suspected disinformation campaigns. [1]

The allegations follow widespread unrest and violent clashes in major cities. Fox News reported that videos showed police forced to retreat in Paris and Milan after being overwhelmed by rioters amid burning buildings and looted storefronts. Fox News and France 24 both reported that Italy announced military deployments, sending 500 soldiers with expanded police powers to Milan. [1][2][8]

The unrest spans multiple countries and underlying social issues. The Economic Times reported that waves of protests across France, Italy, Belgium, and Spain have been fueled by a housing crisis, rising living costs, and education issues. Meanwhile, Middle East Eye reported that Iran warned its citizens against traveling to France, Belgium, and Italy because of the violent unrest. [7][9]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the protests in France initially began over the state of education before escalating into violence that resulted in more than 2,400 detentions. Italian authorities have also considered additional security measures for Milan, including preventive detention and bans on public gatherings, as FTMQ News previously reported. [15][16]

Although Russia-linked networks have exploited the violence, Euronews reported that the European Commission has so far resisted demands to intervene, citing a lack of evidence directly linking foreign m. [1]