Rome, Oct 2026 : Protests against rising living costs, higher military spending and military expansion swept across several Italian cities, with clashes between demonstrators and police reported in Rome, Bologna and Turin, according to Italian media reports.
In Bologna, confrontations broke out between some protesters and police on Saturday evening, newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. Emergency medical services received 17 calls for assistance, while six people were taken to hospital by ambulance, Xinhua news agency reported.
In Rome, demonstrators gathered at Piazza della Repubblica on Saturday afternoon before marching against war and increased military spending, news agency ANSA reported. Clashes erupted in the city centre later in the evening, prompting police to use water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
In Turin, protesters opposing higher defence expenditure and rising fuel prices also clashed with law enforcement personnel. Some demonstrators allegedly threw bottles and fireworks at police officers, who responded with tear gas.
Italian Government Tightens Security
The demonstrations came a week after protests in several parts of Italy, particularly Milan, escalated into riots and looting. In response, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi ordered additional police deployments across the country, focusing on major cities expected to witness large rallies.
The increased security presence aimed to prevent further violence and maintain public order as demonstrations continued over economic pressures and government spending priorities.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in a social media post on Saturday evening, emphasising that authorities must protect peaceful protesters as well as members of the public.
Meloni said everyone should be able to demonstrate peacefully, go to work and live in their cities without fear. She also called for preventing individuals seeking confrontation and violence from disrupting public demonstrations.
The protests highlight growing public concerns over the cost of living, fuel prices and increased military expenditure in Italy. Demonstrators have raised objections to spending priorities amid economic pressures affecting households.
Authorities are maintaining heightened security in major urban centres following the latest clashes. The situation underscores the challenge facing the Italian government in balancing the right to peaceful protest with the need to prevent violence and protect public safety.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
