More than 100,000 people took to the streets across Italy on Friday to protest against the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the largest demonstrations reported in Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin.
Rallies were held in more than 50 cities as part of a nationwide day of protest. Students joined demonstrations in several locations, continuing their participation in protests organized in recent weeks.
Security forces were deployed in large numbers amid concerns about possible violence.
The demonstrations were primarily driven by dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living. Preliminary estimates put Italy’s annual inflation rate at 5.4 percent this month, its highest level in three years.
The protests come as several other European countries face similar public concerns over rising prices. In Germany, young people are also planning demonstrations on Saturday.
Italy is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections next year. Recent opinion polls cited in the report indicate that Meloni and her right-wing coalition, led by the Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia), remain ahead.
Meloni has led a coalition government since autumn 2022.
The nationwide demonstrations highlight growing public pressure over economic conditions as the country approaches its next electoral campaign.
