Violent protests against the Meloni administration erupt across Italy

Beginning October 16, 2026, a series of protests against the policies of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spread across major cities, including Turin, Rome, Milan, and Bologna. Demonstrators expressed grievances regarding education, housing, the cost of living, and military spending, while also opposing the 'National Future' party of former general Roberto Vannacci. While initial demonstrations in Rome were peaceful, events in Milan and Turin escalated into significant civil unrest, involving stone-throwing, property destruction, and clashes with police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas.

By October 18, the situation in Milan became particularly volatile, leading to the temporary closure of the Duomo metro station and the iconic cathedral. Security forces reported 271 detentions and 32 arrests, with authorities noting that 80% of those detained were minors and 60 were foreign nationals. Prime Minister Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein condemned the violence, and Meloni subsequently convened an emergency cabinet meeting at Palazzo Chigi to address public order.

A previously unknown group calling itself '17 October' has issued a manifesto vowing to continue protests until the government resigns. Further demonstrations are scheduled for October 24 in Turin and October 30 in Rome, alongside a planned general strike by a major trade union on November 20.