Politics · Italy · 7 hrs ago
More than 400,000 students join protests across Italy
More than 400,000 students, according to organizers, protested in cities across Italy on October 16.
They called the day “No Meloni Day” and opposed policies of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government.
They cited deteriorating schools and the cost of studying, including living costs and high rents.
Protesters also opposed public funds for the arms industry and a rule limiting immigrant pupils in schools.
Their slogan was “more classrooms and fewer bombs,” reflecting demands for better education and less military spending.
Some demonstrations turned violent, including clashes with police in Turin, Rome and Bologna; police unions said about 10 officers were injured.
Three minors were arrested in Turin, and more than 50 people were identified by police.
Meloni and other government officials condemned the violence, while student organizers said their mobilization would continue.
More than 400,000 students took part in protests across Italy on October 16, according to organizers.
The demonstrations, called “No Meloni Day,” called for better school facilities and opposed funding for the arms industry and a school immigration cap.
Students also cited the cost of living, high rents and what they described as political and cultural repression.
Clashes with police were reported in several cities, including Turin, Rome and Bologna.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other government figures condemned violence at the protests.
- Who
- More than 400,000 students, according to organizers, demonstrated across Italy.
- What
- They protested in “No Meloni Day” demonstrations, calling for more classrooms and opposing policies including arms-industry funding and a school immigration cap.
- When
- October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Cities across Italy, including Turin, Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples and Cagliari.
- Why
- Organizers said students were protesting deteriorating schools and difficulties studying, as well as the cost of living, high rents and government policies.
Student organizers and protesters
Italian government
Protest aims
Student organizers and protesters
Students called for more classrooms and fewer bombs and opposed the school immigration cap.
Italian government
Government figures focused on condemning violence and attacks on police and institutions.
Meaning of protest
Student organizers and protesters
Angela Verdecchia said students wanted to lead change rather than be spectators to reforms imposed from above.
Italian government
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said attacks on the ministry were not democratic dissent or a defense of schools, but aggression against institutions and political hooliganism.
The student mobilization began with the first high-school occupations.
Students held “No Meloni Day” demonstrations in cities across Italy.
Clashes were reported in several cities; in Turin, three minors were arrested and more than 50 people were identified.
- Participants
- More than 400,000, according to organizers
- Date
- October 16, 2026
- Protest name
- No Meloni Day
- Cities
- Turin, Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples and Cagliari
- Arrests in Turin
- Three minors
- Identifications in Turin
- More than 50 demonstrators
8 sources
No Meloni Day, oltre 400mila studenti in piazza da Nord a Sud: “Vogliamo più aule e meno bombe”. E avvertono: “La nostra sarà una mobilitazione permanente. Se ci togliete il futuro, vi blocchiamo il presente”
Gli studenti si prendono le piazze, Meloni: 'Violenze da condannare'
What people are saying
We want to be protagonists of change, not spectators of reforms imposed from above.
We want more classrooms and fewer bombs.
I am always happy when there is mobilization. Violence is something different, as are homemade bombs and attacking law enforcement.
This is not the democratic expression of dissent, nor a defense of schools, but an attack on institutions and political hooliganism.