ROME – Thousands of students, workers and people from various sectors took to the streets in several Italian cities during a nationwide strike on Friday, protesting against rising living costs, expensive education and a worsening housing crisis.
The largely peaceful demonstrations saw protesters in Italy demand increased funding for schools and universities, affordable accommodation and measures to ease the burden of everyday expenses.
The protests formed part of one of the biggest waves of demonstrations witnessed in Italy in recent months. Students occupied school buildings and established temporary tent camps in several cities to draw attention to their demands.
The nationwide general strike was called by Italy’s USB trade union, attracting participation from truck drivers, taxi operators, farmers and workers from other sectors. These groups have also been protesting 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 across the country. However, authorities did not release official estimates of the turnout.
In Rome, 16-year-old student Sofia Cataldi said the condition of her high school building was unsafe, citing problems such as falling windows and rodents. She said students wanted clean and secure educational facilities.
University student Beatrice Celli, 21, said students were struggling with expensive tuition fees and soaring rents. She pointed out that renting a single room in Rome could cost as much as 1,200 euros a month, placing a significant financial burden on parents.
In the Italian capital, demonstrators marched from the central railway station, passing landmarks including the Colosseum before reaching the vicinity of the Economy Ministry. Carrying banners and flags, they called on the government to prioritise public welfare over military spending.
Students and workers also staged demonstrations in Milan, where one banner carried the slogan, “Take back your future.” Stefano De Fines, a 25-year-old participant, expressed hope that protests involving different sectors would eventually lead to lasting change.
Police were deployed across several cities to maintain security. However, some demonstrations turned tense. In Turin, police used batons and water cannons to disperse protesters, while in Rome some young demonstrators threw bottles, overturned rubbish bins and set one of them on fire towards the end of the march.
The unrest comes after clashes between young protesters and police in Milan on October 17 and 18. Following those incidents, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government tightened regulations governing public gatherings and eased certain rules concerning the detention of minors.
Last week, the Italian government approved a 175.2 million-euro relief package for truck drivers, farmers and fishermen affected by rising fuel costs.
The proposed 2027 budget also includes measures aimed at supporting young people and families, including a proposed annual bonus of 2,500 euros for workers under the age of 30.
Meloni has said her government wants to address the concerns of young people who feel neglected by the state. However, she has made it clear that such benefits are not intended for those involved in vandalism.
