Thousands of Young Italians March as Authorities Deploy Soldiers and Security Measures

Thousands of young people marched through the streets of Milan, Rome, Turin and other European cities on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following violent clashes and looting the previous week. Authorities deployed heavy police and military forces in an effort to prevent a repeat of earlier unrest.

New Government Measures

Premier Giorgia Meloni announced a raft of measures in response to the unrest. These include sending an additional 500 soldiers to Milan and introducing tougher penalties for minors. Police noted that minors made up a large part of the violent protesters last week. In Milan, police detained several minors as a preventive measure.

Protests and Incidents

The demonstrations covered a broad range of issues, including the rising cost of living, education, corruption, pensions, housing and anti-war movements. In Milan, crowds chanted insults against Ms. Meloni and held banners saying 'No to lies of the State'. Protesters also dumped manure outside Italy's energy regulator and burned a symbolic, oversized electricity bill. Many luxury boutiques in Milan, including Omega, Tiffany and Gucci, boarded up their windows, and the Apple store shut down. While the Milan march ended peacefully outside the Milan Polytechnic in the evening, there were brief clashes with police in Rome and Turin. In Rome, protesters tried to force their way into the Colosseum, and a separate anti-war march saw brief clashes near the Piazza della Repubblica where police used batons and tear gas, and a water cannon was turned on.

Security and Investigations

The 500 soldiers deployed to Milan joined hundreds already stationed there to support about 5,000 police and other security personnel. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that these soldiers were recently allowed to use plastic restraint ties around train stations, though they are not authorised to carry pepper spray or tasers. Authorities are also investigating a 30-year-old freelance journalist described as the mastermind of the newly formed October 17 movement, which is seen as the main driver of the protests. Milan police reported that last week's violence involved about 2,000 very young protesters, leading to 45 arrests over two days, including 34 minors.

Context

These widespread European demonstrations reflect deep-seated public frustrations regarding economic pressures, cost of living issues, and governance concerns. Governments often respond to civil unrest and property damage by increasing security personnel and implementing stricter legal penalties to maintain public order.