The key facts

  • More than 30 protest actions are planned in Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin and Bologna
  • Rome: about 1,500 security personnel, police drones and Carabinieri aircraft; Milan: 1,000 police, 300 municipal staff and 500 soldiers
  • After the October 17 riots, Digos searched around 100 people, 51 of them minors

Mass protests being prepared in Italy and France

Nationwide protests against the rising cost of living are expected in Italy and France on Saturday, October 24. Authorities and shop owners fear a repeat of the events of October 17 and 18, when hundreds of people took part in incidents of violence against shops and the police. According to the website 'Mappa della rivolta', which collects information on protest initiatives, more than 30 actions are planned — from marches and sit-ins to assemblies and strikes. Protests will take place in several Italian cities, including Milan, Bologna, Genoa, Turin, Rome and Florence.

Enhanced security measures in Rome

The Rome police department has developed a security plan to manage both announced demonstrations and spontaneous actions announced online. In addition to regular units, drones of the State Police's 1st Flight Department and Carabinieri aircraft will be used. In total, about 1,500 personnel will be deployed, with checks covering squares and railway stations. The Rome cybersecurity center is also operating, monitoring social media posts in coordination with Digos, the police's specialized operational unit.

The role of social media and advice on confronting the police

The digital dimension complicates protest management: instructions on how to prepare for clashes with the police are circulating on Telegram, TikTok and Instagram. The advice ranges from recommendations to carry water, painkillers and vinegar to weaken the effects of tear gas, to guidance on what to wear and how to behave during riots.

Measures in Milan and Turin

In Milan, about 1,000 police officers and Carabinieri, 300 municipal staff and 500 soldiers will be deployed under the latest government security decree. Drones will also monitor the marches. Authorized demonstrations will take place away from the Duomo cathedral, while protests are banned in the Garibaldi and Porta Venezia districts. In Turin, a demonstration is expected, organized by activists of the 'antagonist' scene linked to the former social center Askatasuna, participants of the October 17 Movement and students; the march will begin at 2:00 pm at Piazza Arbarello.

Searches after the October 17 riots

After the October 17 riots, Digos carried out searches on Friday targeting around 100 people, 51 of whom were minors. The operations took place in several cities, including Bari, Bergamo, Florence, Genoa and Verona.