Large-scale strike and protests across Italy target Meloni government and cost of living

Tens of thousands of people participated in a general strike and widespread demonstrations across more than 50 Italian cities on Friday, protesting against the rising cost of living, cuts to public services and the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The nationwide action was organised by USB (Unione Sindacale di Base), an anti-capitalist trade union, and attracted workers from both public and private sectors, students and farmers. In Turin, farmers protested by dumping manure on the streets as a sign of their frustration.

The largest demonstrations took place in Milan, Turin and Rome, where protesters carried signs reading 'Let's oust the Meloni government — rebellion is just'. In Naples, protesters burned photographs of the prime minister. During an interview in Rome, university student Beatrice Chilelli expressed that students were reaching a breaking point, struggling to afford tuition fees and rent. Transport workers chose not to strike after Transport Minister Matteo Salvini threatened the sector with sanctions, though taxi drivers proceeded with their strike despite receiving a similar warning.

The protests came after weeks of school occupations and student tent camps protesting education funding cuts. Similar demonstrations were occurring elsewhere in Europe, including in Germany and France. Italy's Interior Ministry reported that preventative arrests were made ahead of the marches, and police were deployed in large numbers following earlier violent protests. Minor clashes occurred between protesters and riot police in Turin, but overall the demonstrations remained largely peaceful. Additionally, many protesters displayed Palestinian flags and held banners opposing the government's military spending.