At least 400,000 people took part in student-led demonstrations across major Italian cities on Friday under the banner “No Meloni Day,” with clashes reported between protesters and police in Rome and Turin.
The demonstrations featured calls against war and military spending, with participants demanding greater investment in education and social rights.
In Rome, protesters clashed with police outside the Ministry of Education, chanting slogans including “Money for schools, not war” and “Fewer weapons, more rights.” Confrontations were also reported in Turin.
Palestinian flags were prominent at several gatherings, while demonstrators voiced opposition to Israel and the United States. Many young participants wore clothing bearing the word “Antifa,” associated with anti-fascist activism.
The protests come amid a wider wave of student demonstrations across Europe. Italy is the latest country to experience large-scale youth-led mobilisations, following similar protests that began in France in recent weeks over related concerns.
