Soaring fuel and household energy costs are driving protests across Europe and strengthening parties that promise rapid price relief before national elections.
The economic cost of the US-Iran war to Europe is estimated near €100 billion, while gas prices have risen about 140% and diesel has roughly doubled.
France has become the most volatile centre, with demonstrations that began around school facilities expanding into looting, arson and the burning of Limoges city hall.
President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged legitimate grievances over living costs but condemned violence, leaving his government between fiscal limits and public anger.
In Italy, clashes in Milan and farmers' actions in Gela joined roadblocks and shortage fears, showing the unrest is not confined to France.
Portugal saw a march of about 10,000 people, while housing protests in Spain and demonstrations in Belgium and Albania broadened the continental pattern.
Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon are competing over the French fuel issue, with Le Pen supporting a value-added-tax reduction before next April's presidential vote.
Similar energy politics are aiding the AfD in Germany and nationalist forces in Italy and Poland, turning prices into a major test of Europe's political centre.
