The key facts

  • 'No Meloni Day' actions took place across Italy against education policy, rising prices, and military spending
  • In Turin, during clashes, a teacher, a school staff member, and a carabiniere were injured; a 17-year-old teenager was detained
  • The Mayor of Turin condemned the damage but defended the right to protest; Minister Valditara announced compensation would be sought

Protests across the country

Students held demonstrations in various Italian cities on Friday as part of the 'No Meloni Day' actions, aimed against the government's education policy, the rising cost of living, and increased military spending, the Italian newspaper La Stampa reported. The student mobilization included school occupations, strikes, and assemblies in a number of cities. The organizers cited concerns about education funding, the condition of schools, and the priorities of public spending.

Clashes in Turin

The actions were preceded by days of school occupations and clashes in Turin, where masked youths damaged school buildings, broke windows, and used fire extinguishers. The incidents occurred at several educational institutions, including the Sella institute and the Bosso-Monti school. According to the newspaper, at least one teacher, a school staff member, and a carabiniere officer were injured during the incidents. A 17-year-old teenager was detained on suspicion of resisting law enforcement officers and was also issued a notice for aggravated property damage. Investigators were determining whether some of the masked participants were outsiders who had joined the student protests.

Reaction of the authorities

The Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, condemned the damage caused while defending the students' right to demonstrate. 'Demonstrating and standing up for one's ideas is a fundamental right that must always be respected and protected,' he said, adding that violence and damage to public property are unacceptable. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara also condemned the destruction and said the government would seek compensation for the damage caused.