ROME: Thousands of students, workers and trade union members took to the streets across Italy, demanding lower living costs, affordable housing and increased investment in public education amid growing frustration over economic pressures and deteriorating school facilities.
The nationwide protests, held alongside a general strike, brought together people from different sectors who called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to prioritise public welfare over rising defence expenditure.
According to AFP, the demonstrations were among the largest waves of protests witnessed in Italy in recent months. Students occupied schools and established temporary protest camps in several cities to highlight their concerns about education and the rising cost of living.
The USB trade union, which called for the nationwide strike, said between 1 million and 1.5 million people participated in demonstrations across the country. However, authorities did not release official attendance figures.
In Rome, 16-year-old student Sofia Cataldi highlighted the poor condition of school buildings, describing problems including falling windows and rats. She said students deserved safe, clean and properly maintained educational facilities.
University students also raised concerns about increasingly expensive accommodation and tuition fees. Beatrice Chelelli, 21, said student housing had become unaffordable, with a single room in Rome costing as much as 1,200 euros per month, placing additional pressure on families.
The Rome demonstration began near the city’s main railway station before passing major landmarks, including the Colosseum, and heading towards the Economy Ministry. Protesters carried banners and flags, demanding greater investment in education, housing and other public services.
In Milan, demonstrators displayed banners reading “Take Back Your Future”. Stefano De Fennis, 25, expressed hope that the growing cooperation between workers and students could eventually bring lasting changes.
The protests also involved truck drivers, taxi drivers and farmers, many of whom have recently raised concerns about rising fuel prices and increased military spending.
Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, tensions emerged in some cities. In Turin, police used batons and water cannons to disperse protesters. In Rome, some young demonstrators threw bottles, overturned rubbish bins and set one of them on fire.
The unrest follows clashes between young protesters and police in Milan on October 17 and 18. Following those incidents, Meloni’s government introduced stricter rules governing public gatherings and eased certain conditions for detaining minors.
