[REVISION HISTORY]

Italy deploys military and police amid widespread protests

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2026-10-24 18:24 UTC → 2026-10-24 19:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, ~~thousands of participants, including significant numbers of young people, gathered~~ mass demonstrations occurred in cities ~~such as~~ including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, and ~~Florence to voice opposition to war, rearmament,~~ Florence. In Rome, confrontations took place near Termini railway station after a minority of protesters threw bottles and ~~economic pressures.~~ 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 ~~where~~ and involving members of the Ascatassuna social center, who attempted to alter the agreed-upon march route; police utilized batons, tear ~~gas~~ gas, and water ~~cannons after demonstrators threw objects at law enforcement.~~ cannons. In Bologna, police used hydrants to disperse crowds in Piazza dei ~~Martiri, resulting~~ Martiri. While tensions were recorded in ~~at least one injury.~~ 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. In Rome, security was heavily increased to manage large-scale marches, including an anti-imperialist demonstration. In Milan, approximately 1,400 security personnel, including paratroopers, were deployed to protect commercial areas and sensitive sites. 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.

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