# Italy deploys military and police amid widespread protests > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/youth-disorder-and-vandalism-in-italy > Updated: 2026-10-24T18:51:47.000Z. Sources: 689. Developments: 16. Civil unrest across northern and central Italian cities has intensified, driven by protests against the rising cost of living, low wages, and government spending priorities. Demonstrations, organized under banners such as ‘Italia in Piazza’ and the ‘Movimento 17 ottobre’, have seen a mix of peaceful advocacy and violent clashes. Unions, including FLC CGIL and USB Pubblico Impiego, have criticized the government for prioritizing military spending over public education and healthcare. On October 24, 2026, mass demonstrations occurred in cities including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Florence. In Rome, confrontations took place near Termini railway station after a minority of protesters threw bottles and firecrackers at police, prompting the use of water cannons. Earlier that day, approximately 50 participants forced open a gate to enter the Colosseum. Authorities identified 200 participants in the Rome demonstrations, which resulted in two injuries. In Turin, clashes occurred near Piazza Castello and involving members of the Ascatassuna social center, who attempted to alter the agreed-upon march route; police utilized batons, tear gas, and water cannons. In Bologna, police used hydrants to disperse crowds in Piazza dei Martiri. While tensions were recorded in Milan, no vandalism or looting was reported there. The Italian Ministry of Interior announced that approximately 1,000 people were taken into custody during the nationwide mobilizations. In response to heightened security concerns, authorities have reinforced presence in major hubs. This follows previous government actions, including the ‘decreto Cortei’ and a new security decree that introduces criminal offenses for organized violence during demonstrations and extends preventive detention to minors. ## Claims - 271 youths were taken into custody during the unrest. (disputed by 18 sources) - Police have arrested approximately 200 people since Saturday following unrest in Milan. (disputed by 11 sources) - Of those detained, 32 people were arrested, consisting of 23 minors and 13 foreign nationals. (disputed by 9 sources) - The Italian government approved a new security decree following riots in Milan. (corroborated by 45 sources) - The crime of 'violent participation in a demonstration' is punishable by up to five years in prison and 20,000 euro fine. (corroborated by 42 sources) - Parents can be held responsible for damages caused by their children. (corroborated by 36 sources) - Giorgia Meloni announced the deployment of 500 additional soldiers to Milan. (corroborated by 32 sources) - Minors aged 14 and older can now be held criminally liable. (corroborated by 30 sources) - Protesters clashed with police, looted shops, and destroyed property during two days of unrest. (corroborated by 27 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Italy: Clashes erupt in Rome, Turin, and Bologna during protests Protests against war and the cost of living in Italy led to clashes in Rome, Turin, and Bologna, resulting in approximately 1,000 detentions and two injuries in Rome. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-clashes-erupt-in-rome-turin-and-bologna-during-protests ### 2026-10-22: Political tensions rise in Italy over school closures and student protests Italian political figures clash over local school administration decisions in Sestri Levante and the socio-economic drivers behind recent student protests and urban unrest in Milan. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/political-tensions-rise-in-italy-over-school-closures-and-student-protests ### 2026-10-21: Milan security tightened with military deployment following urban unrest Milan is deploying 500 Folgore paratroopers and increasing police presence to prevent new protests and looting following recent urban unrest and social media-driven violence. 72 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milan-deploys-500-folgore-paratroopers-for-security-plan ### 2026-10-21: Italy addresses recent youth-led unrest and public order Italian officials are addressing recent youth-led unrest, with Interior Minister Piantedosi calling it a new phenomenon while mayors demand government action on housing and employment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-addresses-recent-youth-led-unrest-and-public-order ### 2026-10-19: Italy government defends security response to urban violence Italian Minister Luca Ciriani defended the state's security response to recent urban violence in Milan and Bologna, citing 48 arrests and 193 injured officers. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-government-defends-security-response-to-urban-violence ### 2026-10-19: Italy: widespread student protests over cost of living and school infrastructure Students across Italy are staging protests and school occupations to demand better educational infrastructure, increased funding, and relief from the rising cost of living and fuel prices. 31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ambulance-convoy-protests-rising-cost-of-living-in-pisa ### 2026-10-19: Italy protests: Diplomatic advisories issued amid violent unrest Violent cost-of-living protests in northern Italy have led to hundreds of arrests and prompted diplomatic warnings for Filipino and Indian nationals to avoid crowded areas and protest sites. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-protests-diplomatic-advisories-issued-amid-violent-unrest ### 2026-10-19: Italian authorities and schools respond to student protests Police in Bergamo identified 30 minors during student protests, while a school in Ariano Irpino faces backlash for classifying protest-related absences as unjustified. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-authorities-and-schools-respond-to-student-protests ### 2026-10-18: Milan unrest: Youth violence and social media influence Violent clashes in Milan involving many minors have highlighted a social crisis fueled by social media performativity and youth disorientation, prompting debates on security and education. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milan-unrest-involves-youth-using-social-media-to-document-riots ### 2026-10-18: President Mattarella condemns violent riots in Milan Italian President Sergio Mattarella condemned recent violent riots in Milan, expressing solidarity with security forces after widespread unrest involving young adults. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-mattarella-condemns-violent-riots-in-milan ### 2026-10-18: Italian mayors and politicians demand economic solutions to social unrest Center-left mayors and Italian politicians are calling on the government to address the rising cost of living and social inequality, arguing that increased policing alone cannot resolve growing national unrest. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-mayors-and-unions-call-for-government-action-on-cost-of-living ### 2026-10-18: Milan Mayor criticizes insufficient police presence after violent protests Milan Mayor Beppe Sala criticized the government for inadequate police numbers following violent protests and significant property damage in Piazza Duomo. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milan-mayor-criticizes-insufficient-police-presence-after-violent-protests ### 2026-10-17: Italy approves security decree following Milan unrest Italy has approved a security decree introducing prison sentences of up to five years for violent protesters and holding parents financially liable for damages caused by minors during unrest. 577 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-protests-against-cost-of-living-lead-to-clashes-in-milan-and-turin ### 2026-10-17: Italy faces widespread student and labor protests over education and spending Student and labor protests are intensifying across Italy, with demonstrators demanding increased investment in public education and social services over military spending. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-student-protests-spark-violence-and-political-debate ### 2026-10-15: Italy student protests lead to nationwide clashes and arrests Student protests across Italy over education funding and military spending have led to nationwide clashes, resulting in 28 arrests and 141 injuries to law enforcement officers. 73 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turin-schools-vandalized-by-masked-group-of-40-youths ### 2026-09-29: Terni and Pesaro face rising concerns over youth disorder and vandalism Reports of youth disorder, vandalism, and the throwing of incendiary bottles in Terni and Pesaro have raised concerns regarding urban security and the nature of political mobilization among students. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/terni-and-pesaro-face-rising-concerns-over-youth-disorder-and-vandalism --- Cite as: Italy deploys military and police amid widespread protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/youth-disorder-and-vandalism-in-italy