Thousands of students, workers and people from various sectors took to the streets across Italy during a nationwide strike on Friday, protesting rising living costs, expensive education and housing difficulties.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the demonstrations formed part of one of the largest waves of protest activity in Italy in recent months. Most rallies remained peaceful, with participants demanding increased funding for schools and universities, affordable housing and relief from everyday expenses.
Students occupied school buildings and established temporary tent camps in several cities to draw attention to their concerns.
The nationwide general strike was called by Italy’s USB trade union, attracting truck drivers, taxi drivers, farmers and workers from other sectors. These groups have also protested in recent weeks against rising fuel prices and increased defence spending.
The USB union told AFP that between one million and 1.5 million people participated in demonstrations nationwide. However, authorities had not released official figures confirming the turnout.
Students Highlight Unsafe Schools and Rising Rents
In Rome, 16-year-old student Sofia Cataldi said the condition of her high school building was unsafe. She cited falling windows and problems involving rats, arguing that students deserved clean and secure educational facilities.
University student Beatrice Chelili, 21, highlighted the financial pressures facing young people due to expensive tuition fees and rising rents. She said a single room for student accommodation in Rome could cost as much as €1,200 per month, placing a significant burden on parents.
The demonstration in Rome began near the central railway station before passing major landmarks, including the Colosseum, and proceeding towards the Ministry of Economy. Protesters carried banners and flags, calling on the government to prioritise public needs over defence expenditure.
Demonstrations Spread to Milan and Other Cities
Students and workers also gathered in Milan, where one banner carried the slogan, “Take Back Your Future.”
Stefano De Fennes, a 25-year-old participant, expressed hope that protests involving people from different sectors would eventually lead to lasting change.
Police were deployed across several cities to maintain security. However, tensions escalated at certain locations.
In Turin, police used batons and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. In Rome, some young protesters threw bottles, overturned rubbish bins and set one bin on fire towards the end of the demonstration.
The incidents followed clashes between young people and police in Milan on October 17 and 18. Following those confrontations, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government tightened laws governing public gatherings and relaxed certain rules concerning the detention of minors.
Government Announces €175.2 Million Support Package
The protests came as the Italian government sought to address the financial pressures affecting workers and families.
Last week, the government approved a €175.2 million support package for truck drivers, farmers and fishermen affected by rising fuel prices.
Measures for young people and families are also under consideration in the proposed 2027 budget. These include a proposed annual bonus of €2,500 for workers under the age of 30.
Meloni has said she wants to respond to young people who feel that the state does not care about their concerns. However, she has made clear that the proposed benefits are not intended for those involved in vandalism.
The demonstrations underscore mounting concerns over affordability, education standards and housing access in Italy, as students and workers demand greater public investment in essential services and improved living conditions.