Protests in Italy and France on October 24. Heightened security

New protests against the rising cost of living are planned for October 24 in major cities across Italy and France, following violent incidents on October 17 and 18. Authorities and shop owners fear that the demonstrations could once again escalate into clashes with law enforcement and attacks on businesses.

More than 30 mobilizations are planned in Italy, including marches, pickets, rallies and strikes, in cities such as Milan, Bologna, Genoa, Turin, Rome and Florence. The information is compiled by the “Mappa della rivolta” website, which tracks protest initiatives.

Rome will be monitored by approximately 1,500 police officers, while authorities will use State Police drones and Carabinieri aircraft. Checks will extend from central squares to railway stations. In Milan, the number of deployed forces will exceed 1,000, and the marches will be monitored with drones. Authorized protests will be kept away from the Duomo, while demonstrations are banned in the Garibaldi and Porta Venezia areas.

Preparations are being complicated by online mobilization. Guides for possible clashes are circulating on social media, including recommendations on protection against tear gas. A demonstration involving activists, students and members of the October 17 Movement is expected in Turin. Following the previous unrest, authorities searched approximately 100 people, 51 of whom were minors.