Protests Sweep Several Italian Cities, with Clashes Reported

Protests over the rising cost of living, military expansion and increased spending on weapons swept several Italian cities on Saturday (24 October).

Clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in several locations, according to Italian media.

In Bologna, clashes broke out between some demonstrators and police on Saturday evening local time, the Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported. Emergency medical services received 17 calls for assistance, and six people were taken to hospital by ambulance.

In Rome, demonstrators began an anti-war rally at Piazza della Repubblica on Saturday afternoon, according to the ANSA news agency. Clashes between protesters and police erupted in the city centre later that evening, prompting police to use water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In Turin, demonstrators—whose main concerns were increased military spending and fuel prices—clashed with police on Saturday evening. Some protesters threw fireworks and bottles at officers, who responded by firing tear gas.

Following demonstrations that descended into rioting and looting the previous weekend, particularly in Milan, Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi ordered additional police personnel to be deployed across the country.

The extra personnel were focused mainly on major cities expected to host the largest demonstrations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in a social media post on Saturday evening. She stressed the need to protect both people demonstrating peacefully and the wider public.

“Everyone’s safety must be guaranteed: those who want to demonstrate peacefully, those who are working, and those who want to go about their lives in their cities without fear,” she said.

“We must not give space to those who want nothing but confrontation and violence.”