WorldPosted at: Oct 24 2026 9:47PM


Italy deploys hundreds of soldiers over spiralling protests over living expenses and excess military spending

Milan, Oct 24 (UNI) Italian authorities deployed an additional 500 soldiers in Milan and tightened security across major cities on Saturday as demonstrations over rising living costs, low wages, high military spending and government policies raised fears of further clashes following last weekend's violence.
Protests were planned in Milan, Rome, Turin, Naples and several other cities. Milan remained on high alert after clashes between protesters and police on October 17 and 18 led to vandalism, looting and damage across the city centre.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has reinforced security forces in Milan, introducing drone surveillance, railway station checks and rapid-response units to prevent further disorder.
Police also carried out more than 150 searches in Milan, Monza and around 20 other cities on Saturday morning as part of investigations into last weekend's unrest. Those targeted reportedly included suspected participants, students and minors.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has suggested that the earlier disturbances were coordinated. Authorities are also examining messages exchanged in online groups ahead of the latest demonstrations.
The newly formed '17 October Movement', linked to the recent mobilisation, announced that previously advertised protest locations had been cancelled, with new meeting points to be disclosed shortly before the marches. The change has complicated security planning, with police concerned about spontaneous gatherings across the country.
In Rome, protesters gathered for a national demonstration under the slogan 'Keep Italy out of the war', opposing military involvement and increased defence spending.
In Turin, students and activist groups called for a march against rearmament, rising fuel prices and the cost of living, while demanding better access to housing, education and healthcare. Demonstrators in Naples were also mobilising over economic hardship and rising prices.
Thousands were expected to march in Castel Volturno, near Naples, against plans to establish a migrant detention and repatriation centre. Religious organisations, charities, migrant groups and agricultural workers were among those backing the protest.
Further demonstrations were planned in Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Padua and Verona, reflecting a range of economic and political grievances.
The latest mobilisation follows clashes in Milan and Turin a week earlier, when around 2,000 young people took part in unrest, according to police. The violence led to 45 arrests, including 34 minors.
Meloni condemned the clashes and pledged a tougher response to attacks on police officers and businesses. The unrest has also fuelled debate over economic inequality, social exclusion and the government's approach to public order.
Authorities remain concerned that student movements, trade unions and more radical activist groups could converge at Saturday's demonstrations, increasing the risk of further confrontations.
Protests are also taking place elsewhere in Europe, including France, Spain, Portugal and Albania, where campaigners are raising concerns over living costs, public services and government policies.
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