French police detained 135 people and used tear gas as protests against the rising cost of living spread across the country, with 70,000 security personnel deployed. Demonstrators also condemned restrictions on protests, while anti-Le Pen rallies underscored growing political tensions ahead of the elections. (PICS/AFP)

Around 250,000 demonstrators marched through Madrid demanding protection for Spain’s state pension system ahead of the November 29 election. The rally highlighted concerns over pension privatisation, inflation-linked increases, the cost of living and the future of public services. (PICS/AFP)