The key facts

  • Demonstrations took place in dozens of Italian cities; attendance estimates differ: USB — 1–1.5 million, Interior Ministry — 255,000.
  • Protesters demanded more affordable housing and opposed military spending.
  • Clashes with police occurred in Rome and Turin; in most cities the demonstrations passed peacefully.

Mass demonstrations in dozens of cities

Large-scale protests against rising prices took place in Italy, drawing, according to various estimates, from hundreds of thousands to more than a million people. The organizer was the USB trade union, which claimed 1–1.5 million participants, while the Italian Interior Ministry put the number of demonstrators at 255,000 — the discrepancy in estimates remains. Protesters expressed discontent over rising rents and fuel prices; the slogan “We need more housing, not more bombs” was heard, also referring to the issue of military spending. This was reported by the outlet Kun.uz citing the ANSA agency.

Clashes in Rome and Turin

In most cities the demonstrations passed peacefully, but in the evening in Rome and Turin some participants set fire to garbage containers and threw objects at police officers; in response, police used tear gas and water cannons. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that, despite attempts by individuals to provoke unrest, citizens’ right to peaceful demonstrations was ensured.

Context: a wave of protests in Europe

According to DW, the Italian demonstrations became part of a wave of protests seen in recent weeks also in France and Belgium. Similar actions were scheduled for October 31 in more than 30 German cities: the Gen-Z regelt movement called for coming out against rising living costs and the possible return of compulsory military service, demanding increased funding for education.