Andrea Innocenti Twenty thousand citizens took to the streets of thirteen Italian cities to protest the high cost of living , low wages , and rising taxes . The demonstrations, which began as a spontaneous initiative on social media, quickly transformed into a wave of popular protest, also involving major national squares.
Launched under the name "Italy in the Square," the campaign defined itself as apolitical and nonpartisan, seeking to rally anyone who shared the economic discontent. From Milan to Naples, Turin to Florence, passing through Rome and Bologna, thousands of people responded to the call, organizing coordinated marches and occupying symbolic spaces.
Spread of the movement and cities involved
The "Italy in the Square" concept spread rapidly thanks to citizen groups who used messaging channels and social media to rally protesters. The most active cities were Milan, Naples, Turin, Florence , Rome , and Bologna , but other cities, such as Bergamo, also hosted large-scale rallies. The invitation to participate was clear: "defend purchasing power and denounce fiscal injustice," without tying the protest to any political party or movement.
In many places, protesters chose iconic locations: the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Piazza Duomo in the Lombardy capital, and the Porta Nuova area in Turin. These choices raised the profile of their demands, but also increased the likelihood of clashes with the authorities responsible for maintaining order.
Clashes, vandalism, and police reactions
In Milan, the first moments of the march were marked by an explosion of tension. Some participants threw paper bombs and smoke bombs , followed by a hail of stones , at police officers. The police responded with a light charge, attempting to contain the crowd. A few minutes later, further clashes erupted in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , culminating in a showdown in Piazza Duomo , where about a hundred protesters confronted the police.
Vandalism in Turin and other incidents
In Turin, the outrage erupted in an attack on a bookstore located in the Porta Nuova area. After the damage, authorities closed access to the location, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. In several other cities, protesters also threw small objects at officers, causing minor injuries: two officers were reported injured in the entire wave of protests.
Bergamo: The largest demonstration and the legal consequences
The most notable case occurred in Bergamo , where approximately 800 people participated in a particularly large demonstration. Law enforcement officers made five arrests and filed two complaints for conduct deemed illegal. In addition to the arrests, two complaints were filed against participants for assault and damage to public property.
Authorities also reported two officers injured during the clashes in Bergamo, confirming the trend of escalating violence compared to other cities. These data underscore how the protest, despite originating from a popular demand for a hearing, quickly devolved into open conflict, with legal consequences for some of the participants.
Overall, the "Italia in Piazza" demonstrations highlighted widespread discontent among Italian citizens over the cost of living, but also highlighted the difficulties public order structures face in managing large-scale demonstrations without resorting to containment measures. The debate over how to balance the right to protest with the need to ensure safety remains open, as authorities evaluate next steps to prevent further escalations.