Analyst: Europe’s leaders are failing their people

Political commentator Robert Fantina says the spread of protests across Europe reflects mounting public frustration over years of government neglect, deteriorating public services and the rising cost of living.

In an interview with Press TV on Sunday, he pointed to dismal conditions in French schools as a key trigger, arguing that students’ grievances have expanded into broader social discontent as households struggle with soaring expenses and declining living standards.

Fantina argues that governments’ growing focus on military spending, partly under pressure from Washington, has come at the expense of essential public needs. He maintains that stagnant incomes, rising living costs and government corruption have deepened public resentment, stressing that European leaders must prioritize education, healthcare, housing and decent wages over military commitments and external political pressure.

Addressing the police response, the commentator condemns the use of tear gas, water cannon and other force against demonstrators, particularly students, describing such measures as disproportionate and counterproductive. He notes that the failure to address protesters’ legitimate grievances, coupled with heavy-handed policing, is fueling further anger and drawing more people into the streets, warning that governments must respond to public demands rather than resort to repression.