Thousands of Students, Workers Protest Across Italy Over Cost of Living

Thousands of students and workers took to the streets across Italy on Friday, October 30, 2026, demanding more school funding and relief from the soaring cost of living. The nationwide demonstrations, which also opposed rising defence spending and budget cuts to teaching, were held under a high police presence to prevent clashes.

Marches unfolded in dozens of cities, including Bologna, Genoa, Naples, and Turin, where minor skirmishes between protesters and riot police occurred at the start of the demonstration. In Rome, thousands marched from Termini train station, accompanied by two tractors and a taxi, passing the Colosseum. The Milan protest began at the central train station before heading outside the city, away from the centre where previous clashes had led to looting and property destruction two weeks prior. These protests follow weeks of student-led demonstrations, including tent camps and school occupations, fueled by similar movements in France and Spain, and a general strike called by Italy's USB trade union.

Premier Giorgia Meloni announced a raft of measures in response, including deploying an additional 500 soldiers to Milan and toughening penalties for minors, who police identified as a significant part of previous violent protesters. Her government also agreed on a 175.2-million-euro ($195 million) aid package for truck drivers, farmers, and fishermen affected by soaring fuel prices. Additionally, the draft 2027 budget includes measures for young people and families, such as an annual bonus of 2,500 euros for workers under 30. Meloni stated, “I hope this can provide answers for young people in general... who feel that the State doesn't care about them,” while stressing that these measures were “not for those who smash windows.”

Protesters voiced deep-seated grievances. University student Beatrice Chilelli, 21, in Rome, told AFP that students were “at a breaking point,” unable to afford exorbitant tuition fees and rents, with student housing in Rome potentially reaching 1,200 euros per month for a single room. Laura Teresi, 18, spokesperson for the OSA student movement, anticipated a “massive” mobilisation to denounce Meloni’s rearmament policies and the escalating cost of living. Many pro-Palestine flags were visible in the crowds. India’s embassy in Italy advised its nationals to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas, providing emergency contact numbers. Following clashes on October 17-18, Meloni’s government had already toughened laws on public gatherings while easing rules on detaining minors.

What to watch: The impact of government measures on future protests and public sentiment.

Editor's note: The report provides a thorough overview of the protests, including government responses and the specific grievances cited.