Clashes reported at protests over war and rising living costs in Italy
Many shops closed amid extensive security measures, while Reuters witnesses saw no shop looting or property vandalism during Saturday’s protests.
- Violent clashes between police and demonstrators occurred in several Italian cities, including Turin, Rome, and Bologna.
- The protests were organized in opposition to war and the rising cost of living.
- Heavy security measures were implemented to prevent a recurrence of the looting and vandalism that took place during similar protests the previous week.
- Unlike the prior week's events, Saturday's protests did not involve widespread property damage, and demonstrations in Milan were largely peaceful.
Police and demonstrators clashed violently in Turin, Rome and Bologna during protests against war and rising living costs in major Italian cities on Saturday (October 24, 2026).
A substantial police deployment accompanied the demonstrations, and many shops closed to guard against possible damage.
Authorities had made extensive security arrangements after appeals for further protests circulated on social media during the week.
The measures were intended to prevent a recurrence of the nationwide unrest a week earlier, when protesters had been involved in shop looting, property vandalism and fighting with police.
Police in Italy also reported earlier that day that they had detained an individual and brought them to their headquarters in Milan for questioning.
The person was allegedly linked to organising the previous weekend’s protests, referred to as the “October 17 Movement”.
Reuters witnesses at Saturday’s protests saw neither shop looting nor property vandalism.
In Milan, the demonstrations were largely peaceful.
Source: Reuters
