Protests against Meloni: riots feared in Italy

Nationwide demonstrations in Italy More than 100,000 protest against Meloni government As of: October 30, 2026 • 2:46 p.m

High costs of living, rising defense spending, too little investment in education: In Italy, tens of thousands of people took to the streets against the policies of the Meloni government - accompanied by a massive police presence.

More than 100,000 people protested in Italy against the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The largest rallies took place in Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin.

Verena Schälter, ARD Rome, on the general strike in Italy tagesschau24, October 30, 2026 • 4:00 p.m. The demonstrators criticized the rising cost of living, high inflation, low wages and the government's high military spending. Slogans such as “Lay down your arms, raise wages” or “No to the war economy” could be read on banners. The participants also called for more money for schools and universities.

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Schoolchildren, students, workers, farmers and pensioners, among others, took part in the protests. The USB union had called for a general strike. In total, rallies took place in more than 50 cities.

The USB union had also called for work stoppages in local and long-distance public transport, as well as in the healthcare system. However, the restrictions in transport have so far remained minimal. Also because Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has announced a ban on strikes before the All Saints Day holiday.

The first riots between protesters and the police broke out on Friday in Genoa in northwestern Italy.

The images of looting, arson and excesses of violence from Milan two weeks ago are still present. 20 demonstrators and four police officers were injured and over 50 young people were arrested.

This is also why the current rallies were accompanied by a massive police presence. In many cities there were increased controls and security measures to prevent riots. Police issued a nationwide call today not to wear hoods or helmets during protests.

Prime Minister Meloni condemned the violence, which particularly affected Milan. more

In Rome, for example, a large number of police forces were deployed - also to protect sights such as the Colosseum and to prevent further acts of violence, according to ARD correspondent Verena Schälter. 500 soldiers were deployed in Milan to ensure security and order.

Most of the demonstrations were peaceful until midday. In Turin there were scuffles between demonstrators and police. There were also isolated clashes in other cities.

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On Wednesday, Meloni announced her upcoming budget draft for 2027. The aim was also to calm the protests in the country. In addition to tax relief for middle incomes and self-employed entrepreneurs, the healthcare budget is to be increased.

A 175.2 million euro package for farmers, transport companies and fisheries is also planned to relieve high fuel costs. A one-off relief payment of 2,500 euros is planned for all employees under the age of 30. The new budget is to be financed through tax increases on banks and insurance companies. However, the unions say that is not enough - more relief is necessary.

With information from Verena Schälter, ARD-Rom

This topic in the program: tagesschau24 | News | Oct 30, 2026 | 9:00 a.m