Additional Coverage:
- Manure dumping farmers and far right extremists made Western Europe less liveable last year (newsbreak.com)
A bus and car were engulfed in flames on O’Connell Street in the heart of Dublin following chaotic scenes that erupted after an incident on Parnell Square East which left five individuals injured, including three children.
This year, Western Europe, often regarded as the most habitable area globally, has seen its esteemed position challenged due to a wave of disruptive protests. These protests have ranged from French farmers dumping manure on the streets in protest against perceived injustices, to right-wing extremism flaring against immigration policies.
The latest assessment by the Economist Intelligence Unit indicates that Western Europe’s “livability” has seen a dip of 0.3 points compared to last year, marking the most notable decrease among the regions evaluated.
The surge in protests across Western Europe is primarily attributed as the main factor for this decline. The protests have been a demonstration of democracy in action, with numerous individuals voicing their grievances over the past year.
Protest Highlights in Europe
In France, farmers have garnered attention through a wave of protests driven by increasing inflation, leading them to protest against low earnings and what they perceive as excessive regulations imposed by the European Union.
French farmers have blocked roads leading into Paris, dumped manure in Toulouse, and launched eggs and beer bottles at police forces in a bid to secure concessions from the EU. These protests have not been isolated to France but have spread throughout the continent, affecting daily life in countries such as Germany, Poland, and Spain.
Additionally, far-right protests against immigration have shaken parts of Europe, regions traditionally celebrated for their peaceful and liberal values. Notably, last November, Dublin witnessed riots following the stabbing of three young children by a suspected foreign national, a situation that prompted Elon Musk to make controversial remarks about Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
In contrast to Western Europe, the global livability score has slightly improved, thanks to significant progress in the Gulf region.
According to Barsali Bhattacharyya, deputy industry director at the EIU, global livability has marginally increased over the past year, though challenges to stability persist. Inflation, high interest rates, and economic challenges have fueled another year marked by protests globally.
Dissatisfaction with various government policies, from agriculture to immigration, and a rise in polarization in many countries, has been noted, particularly as a record number of individuals participate in national elections.
The EIU’s livability rankings, which consider factors such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, nonetheless show Western European cities leading the charge, with Vienna topping the list as the most liveable city for the third consecutive year.
While Western European cities still rank high, notably, no American cities made it into the top 10 this year.
Tel Aviv experienced a significant drop in its ranking following the October 7 conflict with Hamas, falling 20 places from its position last year.