Protests and Flag Burning Erupt Across Italy During Student Demonstrations
Thousands of protesters burned Israeli and US flags in Rome during anti-government demonstrations criticizing military spending and educational reforms under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Protests Erupt Across Italy Over Government Policies and Military Spending
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Rome and other Italian cities on Friday, burning Israeli and US flags during demonstrations directed against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Organizers estimated the turnout in the capital at roughly 20,000 participants.
Demonstrators marched from the Colosseum area through the city center toward the Ministry of Education in the Trastevere district. Carrying Palestinian flags, they chanted slogans demanding a boycott of Israel and criticizing government spending on military rather than education. Protesters also hurled fireworks, set fire to garbage bins, and clashed with police in cities including Turin and Verona, where stones and eggs were thrown at law enforcement officers.
"What we are witnessing is not an expression of democratic dissent or a form of legitimate protest, but sheer violence that has nothing to do with the right of students to make their voices heard," stated Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara.
Student Demands and Government Backlash
The protests, organized under the banner "Day Without Meloni," focused on educational reforms, funding shortages, and restrictions on foreign students in classrooms. Student groups announced plans for a general strike scheduled for October 30.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini strongly condemned the unrest, describing the participants as criminals rather than students. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meloni has not yet issued a public response to the demonstrations.
