The key facts

  • La Repubblica: a 'second round' of riots has been announced on social media for October 24
  • The 'October 17 movement' plans actions every Saturday at 15:00 in nine cities
  • Italy sent 500 military personnel to Milan; Defense Minister Crosetto spoke of a 'hybrid war'

Calls for new riots

Calls are spreading on Italian social media to organize new riots on October 24, La Repubblica reports. According to the outlet, the announced 'second round' is linked to 'repressive government decrees,' and the unrest is again expected to be unpredictable and largely spontaneous, without a defined target or common direction. The newspaper notes that this time the situation may be worse: on the streets there are fears of clashes between opposing sides.

Peaceful demonstrations and coordination

Some protesters intend to organize peaceful demonstrations to remind people of the reasons for the protests: the high cost of living, high rents, low wages and unemployment. The recently formed 'October 17 movement,' which coordinates protests across Europe, is distributing posters with a plan to hold actions every Saturday at 3 p.m. The agitation names Rome, Turin, Milan, Bologna, Padua, Trieste, Rimini, Naples and Florence.

Reaction of the authorities and right-wing forces

La Repubblica notes that representatives of right-wing forces are calling on 'patriots' to confront looters and left-wing protesters on the streets. In October, mass protests against rising prices began in Italy following France, escalating into riots. On October 19, rioters promised to hold actions every Saturday 'until the government of the country falls.' It was also reported at the time that Italy would send 500 military personnel to Milan due to the street riots. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the protests in Milan and other cities are the result of an allegedly unleashed 'hybrid war' against European countries. Earlier, the former president of France criticized Macron's government over the protests.