Nationwide protests and transport strike erupt across Italy over inflation and military spending

On October 30, 2026, students and members of the autonomous trade union USB launched nationwide protests and a general strike across Italy. Demonstrators are demanding urgent government action to address high living costs and are calling for the reallocation of funds from military programs to support public education and healthcare.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that authorities remain on high alert due to potential risks during the demonstrations, characterizing the current security situation as comparable to previous protest events. In response to the disruption, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini issued an emergency decree requisitioning public transport workers to maintain services. USB union representatives have declared they will not suspend the strike, despite the threat of severe sanctions for those who disregard the government’s requisition order.

Tensions remain high in cities such as Milan, where student groups are expected to converge following previous incidents of unrest and vandalism reported on October 17 and 18. As the situation evolves, the government is monitoring the impact of the mobilization on national infrastructure while union leaders continue to pressure for policy reforms.