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Full Breakdown

Italy’s Cost-of-Living Protests Mobilize Tens of Thousands

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Demonstrations Across Italy

On a Friday in late October 2026, tens of thousands of students, teachers, retirees and other workers marched in dozens of cities—including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Genoa and Naples—demanding more education funding and relief from soaring living costs. The rallies followed weeks of student tent camps, school occupations and a general strike called by the USB trade union that also drew truck drivers, taxi drivers and farmers. Minor skirmishes were reported in Turin; no major clashes were confirmed by midday.

DW NewsFrance 24

02

Background and Recent Tensions

The protests build on earlier student occupations and are inspired by similar movements in France and Spain. Demonstrators also criticize the government’s rising defence budget, arguing it diverts resources from social needs. The unrest follows the October 17-18 weekend of clashes between youth and police in Milan, after which the Meloni government tightened public-gathering laws while easing rules on detaining minors (occurred).

France 24

Visual evidence

Images from the story

The main protest by young people and workers in Rome on Friday will take place near the Colosseum. © Andreas Solaro, AFP
The main protest by young people and workers in Rome on Friday will take place near the Colosseum. © Andreas Solaro, AFPPhoto: france24
Students demanding education and housing support joined workers protesting rising living costs and military spending across Italy Image: Andreas Solaro/AFP
Students demanding education and housing support joined workers protesting rising living costs and military spending across Italy Image: Andreas Solaro/AFPPhoto: dw
Cover image: Demonstrators light flares during an anti-government protest organized by the Italia in Piazza movement, at Piazza Duomo in Milan, on October 17, 2026. © Piero Cruciatti, AFP
Cover image: Demonstrators light flares during an anti-government protest organized by the Italia in Piazza movement, at Piazza Duomo in Milan, on October 17, 2026. © Piero Cruciatti, AFPPhoto: france24
Soldiers patrol next to the Duomo gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 after Italy Premier Giorgia Meloni announced new security measures.
Soldiers patrol next to the Duomo gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 after Italy Premier Giorgia Meloni announced new security measures.Photo: france24

03

Government Response

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a €175.2 million aid package for truck drivers, farmers and fishermen hit by high fuel prices linked to the Middle-East war. The draft 2027 budget under discussion includes an annual bonus of €2,500 for workers under 30.

France 24

04

Voices from Protesters

University student Beatrice Chilelli, 21, told AFP that students are “at a breaking point,” unable to afford tuition and rent that can reach €1,200 per month for a single room in Rome. Laura Teresi, an 18-year-old spokesperson for the OSA student movement, warned of a “massive” mobilisation to denounce re-armament policies and the “endless budget cuts to teaching.”

France 24

05

Verbatim Quotes

  • “I hope this can provide answers for young people in general... who feel that the state doesn't care about them,” — Giorgia Meloni, criticized prime minister
France 24