Thousands of students, workers protest across Italy amid heavy police presence

Across Italy, tens of thousands of students and workers took to the streets on Friday, demanding increased education funding and assistance in coping with soaring living expenses. This protest series followed weeks of student tent camps and school occupations, with a general strike uniting workers alongside the demonstrators. The demonstrations occurred in numerous cities, such as Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Genoa, and Naples.

Police were present in large numbers due to past protests turning violent. Demonstrators blamed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government for low wages, increasing fuel prices, and excessive military spending. Students called for more financial support for schools and universities. In Rome, student Beatrice Chilelli explained that young people had reached a breaking point. The rising cost of tuition fees, housing, and other necessities were taking a significant toll on students and their families.

The USB trade union called for a general strike, with participants including truck drivers, taxi drivers, and farmers. Public transportation disruptions were minimal on Friday morning. Thousands marched from Rome's Termini station towards the Colosseum, joined by two tractors and a taxi. One group chanted, "We need more houses, not bombs!" Minor scuffles took place between demonstrators and riot police in Turin during the march's initial stages, but no major clashes were reported by midday.

Milan witnessed a procession moving away from the city center where violent riots had erupted during a cost-of-living demonstration two weeks earlier. Authorities increased security around landmarks, including Rome's Colosseum and Milan's cathedral. The student protests garnered support from similar movements in France and Spain. Teachers, retirees, and other workers also joined the Friday rallies.