EUROPE 🔗 Part of: Europe Protests and Unrest 2026 (22) · 31 Oct 2026 · 05:47 GMT ·2 min read

Thousands of Workers and Students Protest Across Italy Over Living Costs and Government Policy

Tens of thousands of workers and students marched across Italy on October 30, 2026.

NEUTRALITY 76 · BALANCED· 4 sources

DW English

Tens of thousands of workers and students marched across Italy on October 30, 2026. They protested rising living costs and government policies. Demonstrations occurred in Rome, Milan, and Naples. Participants criticized low wages, fuel prices, and increased military spending. The USB trade union led the mobilization. Participants included farmers, truck drivers, and taxi drivers. The government authorized a 175 million euro aid package for truck drivers, farmers, and fishermen. Protesters continue to demand greater investment in social services and schools.

Context

Italy faces widespread demonstrations following a long-term economic decline. Costs for food, energy, and transport rose 68 percent since 2000, while average wages fell by nearly 5 percent during the same period. Protests in France and Spain inspired the movement, which has seen students occupy schools and establish tent camps to voice their demands. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni implemented stricter laws on public gatherings following riots and looting in Milan on the weekend of October 17-18, 2026. This followed riots and looting in Milan on the weekend of October 17-18, 2026. She also eased restrictions on the detention of minors.

Supportive perspectives

The Italian government approved a 175 million EUR ($195 million) aid package for truck drivers, farmers, and fishermen to address rising fuel costs.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a news conference on October 28, 2026, to outline new support measures for families and young people. The government's draft 2027 budget includes a proposed annual bonus of 2,500 euros for workers under 30.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she hoped the measures could provide answers for young people who feel the state does not care about them.

Critical perspectives

Demonstrators in Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Genoa, and Naples criticized the government for low wages and rising fuel prices. Protesters specifically opposed increased defense spending. They argued that public resources should be directed toward social needs.
The USB trade union organized the mobilization. Farmers joined the protest alongside truck and taxi drivers. Students occupied schools and built tent camps. These students demand more funding for education and housing.
Protesters called for an end to wars in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza. They also expressed opposition to the militarization of ports.
Minor scuffles occurred between demonstrators and riot police in Turin on October 30, 2026. Authorities increased security around major landmarks following earlier unrest. These sites include the Colosseum in Rome and the cathedral in Milan.