Italy Arrests Nine as Cost-of-Living Protests Hit Cities

Italian police arrested nine people as thousands marched through the country’s main cities on Saturday (Oct 24) over the rising cost of living, with only isolated clashes reported. The Italy protests arrests came a week after rioting and looting hit Milan, prompting a major security operation with police officers and soldiers patrolling city centres.

According to Italy’s Department of Public Security, a further 87 people were reported to the authorities, while 371 were taken to police stations for checks, including 110 minors and 69 foreign nationals, Euronews reported.

Italy protests arrests and suspected organiser

In Milan, police detained 30-year-old Youssef Siher, who has been placed under investigation on suspicion of aggravated incitement to commit a crime. He is alleged to have been behind the so-called 17 October Movement, through which thousands are said to have shared information about joining the previous weekend’s protests.

Demonstrators marched against the rising cost of living, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government and the wars in the Middle East, Euronews said. An AFP report carried by Gulf News said protesters also cited low wages, high rents and shortfalls in public services.

Clashes in Bologna, Florence and Rome

In Bologna, a march was stopped from heading towards Via Marconi and Via Reno, and bottles and other objects were thrown at police, who responded with a water cannon and tear gas. In Florence, officers used batons to hold a cordon as demonstrators tried to cross the Santa Trinita bridge.

In Rome, a small group broke away from a march on Via Cavour and entered the Colosseum, chanting slogans and holding placards before authorities escorted them out. One person was taken to hospital after being struck by police officers, according to Euronews.

Milan, where 500 soldiers had been deployed after attacks on shops the previous Saturday, was calmer, although there were verbal clashes between protesters and some far-right activists.

Meloni defends security measures

In a social media post on Saturday evening, Meloni said the right to demonstrate must always be guaranteed, just as citizens must be able to live safely in their cities. Interior Minister Piantedosi said police had isolated the violent fringes “with balance and professionalism”, AFP reported.

According to AFP, the cabinet on Tuesday (Oct 20) approved a new offence of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting. Police may also detain 14- to 17-year-olds who pose a danger, even if they have not committed a crime.

The decree must be converted into law by parliament within 60 days, and the army troops in Milan are deployed until the end of 2026. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said Italy needs to expand its youth detention capacity.

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