New Wave of Protests and Strikes Erupt in Italy Over Cost of Living

On October 30, 2026, thousands of students and workers took to the streets across Italy for a nationwide protest against rising living costs and increased military spending. The demonstrations, which began near Termini railway station in Rome, included more than 50 cities like Milan and Turin. Protesters called for higher wages, stronger public services, and greater investment in healthcare and education. Security was heavily deployed due to previous violent protests; armored vehicles were seen around the Colosseum in Rome as a precaution. Student protesters from Rome’s Cavour high school, led by Laura Teresi, 18, also planned to block and empty schools. The protests followed weeks of unrest sparked by spikes in fuel prices and defense spending.