{This article is part of a “Special Report” published by the New Anticapitalist Party-Revolutionaries (NPA-R) in France (translated from French), published in Revolutionaries No. 66, Nov. 1, 2026}
On Saturday, October 24, young people took to the streets once again in most Italian cities. Nearly 10,000 gathered in Milan and Rome, despite a climate of fear stoked by the government: cordoned-off neighborhoods, raids, and even preventive arrests.
These spontaneous demonstrations, outside the framework of labor unions and political parties, took the media by surprise, as they had expected the country to be at a standstill in anticipation of the upcoming elections. Only a few banners from high school and college student groups were visible…
Once again, young people protested against dilapidated high schools and the shortage of teachers—even as billions more are allocated to the military—as well as the high cost of living, high rents, and, more more generally against a society that offers nothing but unemployment or precarious, underpaid odd jobs. More than 20% of the population is at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
The government’s only responses have been police beatings, tear gas, and water cannons, as seen in Rome, Milan, Turin, and Bologna.
But, having begun earlier this month with the occupation of several high schools under the slogan “Let’s do as in France” (Fare come in Francia), this wave does not seem likely to stop anytime soon. Various groups are calling for people to join the national union strike on October 30.
Thierry Flamant
All Articles from this Special Report
Youth and workers in struggle across Europe
Albania: After Nearly Six Months of the “Flamingo Revolution,” Gen Z Takes to the Streets Again
Elections in Serbia: Vučić Is Out—What Now?
Germany: Gen Z Against Militarism
Italy: “If you don’t let us dream, we won’t let you sleep!”
Movement for Housing, Wages, and Against Rearmament Policies in Spain
Greece — October 21 Should Mark the Beginning: Let’s Break the Election Wait Through Struggle!
