Lucrezia Ciotti The general strike of October 30 brought thousands of people onto the streets of Rome , including students, workers, and social movements. The march, organized by the USB, passed through the center of the capital amidst slogans, moments of tension, and clashes with the police, before transforming into a camp at the Imperial Forum, set to continue until Sunday.
A general strike in Rome saw thousands of protesters march, with tensions building at the Circus Maximus and Celio Hill.
Rome saw a massive mobilization for the October 30 general strike , called by the Unione Sindacale di Base against the high cost of living and what protesters called a "war economy." Students, workers, farmers, taxi drivers, doctors, and representatives of housing rights movements gathered in various squares across the capital, before converging on Piazza dei Cinquecento, the starting point of the march toward the historic center.
Among the most frequently repeated slogans throughout the day was the one chosen for the rally: " We create wealth, you thieves the future ." The protest also involved schools, with pickets and student initiatives starting early in the morning. Around 11:30 a.m., some of the protesters reached the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in Piazza di Porta Pia, where they encountered a massive police and Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) presence.
Participants also targeted Matteo Salvini's transport strike order. " A five-hundred-euro fine for not striking ," some protesters protested, while a union representative attacked the minister: " He, who has never worked, is suing us because he doesn't know that transport operates 7 days a week ." Law enforcement also maintained maximum vigilance near Termini station, with restricted access, the Colosseum, and the Defense Village set up at the Circus Maximus. In the latter area, armored vehicles, water cannons, and riot police were stationed to prevent any incursions. Red and purple smoke bombs were lit as the march passed , while police monitored the groups' movements, including using helicopters.
Barricades, tear gas, and tents at the Imperial Forums: the protests continue until Sunday.
There were moments of tension throughout the day . A segment of the demonstration strayed from the main route, crossing Trastevere and attempting to reach Parliament . Around two thousand people were monitored by police, while a group attempted to break through the security cordon at Ponte Sisto. The officers intervened with shields and a relief charge . Further disturbances occurred in the Celio area, where some protesters attempted to use barriers and road signs to build barricades, overturning and setting fire to dumpsters on Via Flavia.
A group of over 300 people, dressed in black and wearing gas masks, reportedly attacked those trying to document the incident. Police responded by firing tear gas. Meanwhile, some participants attempted to force open the gates of a Metro C construction site . Other protesters reached Viale Aventino, where police urged shopkeepers to lower their shutters as a precaution.
Another segment of students then continued toward the Ministry of Education , after throwing eggs in front of the building , chanting the slogan " We don't want war ." The demonstration also involved former Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno , who reported being attacked while he was in traffic near Piazza dei Cinquecento. The conclusion of the main march, which reached Via dei Fori Imperiali, did not mark the end of the protest: the organizers have in fact decided to set up a camp with tents, chairs, and meeting points, with the goal of remaining in the area until Sunday, November 1st , and organizing a large national assembly. " The protest doesn't end here ," they urged participants to bring food and equipment to join the initiative.
Among the demands put forward were lower fuel prices, cost containment for essential goods, and a halt to electricity and gas bill increases. " We will be here today and in the coming days waiting for the government to listen to our requests ," it was announced over a megaphone. The agricultural sector also relaunched its protest, with Tonino Monfeli, president of Conca degli Agricoltori Italiani, stating, " We will soon see many more farmers in the streets. We have tractors. Meloni has missiles, drones that kill people ."