Edward Marchesi Tomorrow, Friday, October 30, the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) has called a nationwide general strike . More than fifty municipalities, from Rome to Milan, Turin, and Bologna, will host marches of workers, retirees, students, housing movements, and pro-Pal groups. The protest is directed against the country's rearmament and rising living costs, issues that the USB unites under the umbrella of the right to peace and economic dignity.
The mobilization program and the sectors involved
The union has decided to simultaneously strike three major sectors: schools , healthcare , and transportation . Despite the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's (MIT) mandate that services remain uninterrupted, USB has confirmed its abstention, accepting the potential sanctions because it considers the measure illegitimate.
In Rome, authorities estimate that around twenty thousand people will participate in the demonstration along the historic center, with special transits near the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, where stands will be set up with armored vehicles, drones, and other military equipment.
The security plan implemented by the Ministry of the Interior
The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, held a video conference with prefects, police chiefs and the heads of the police forces of the regional capitals.
During the meeting, a comprehensive plan was outlined to guarantee the right to peaceful protests, isolating those attempting to provoke violence. The most critical areas in each city were analyzed in detail, with particular attention to sensitive points such as the entrance to the Colosseum, which remains under surveillance after last Saturday's raid.
Specific measures for Rome
In the capital's historic center, authorities have restricted access to Termini Station and the Colosseum, while the Circus Maximus will host the "Defense Village," an exhibition of military equipment that could become a target for potential protesters. Officers will monitor both the physical space and the digital landscape, intercepting signals in real time to prevent sudden actions. The presence of drones and armored vehicles has been confirmed to strengthen air and ground surveillance.
Milan, Turin, and Bologna: Routes and Precautions
In Milan, the march will depart from Piazza Duca D'Aosta at 10:00 a.m., focusing on students and unions, while another group will gather in Piazza Leonardo da Vinci at 9:30 a.m. Both groups will follow the Corso Buenos Aires-Piazzale Loreto-Via Padova axis, aiming to reach the ring road, thus avoiding the historic center. Turin will adopt a more restrictive approach: the use of helmets and balaclavas is prohibited, and police have set up security cordons along Corso Principe Oddone, with water cannons and tear gas ready in case of clashes. In Bologna, thousands of protesters are expected; the city has reinforced its presence on Via Marconi and Via Riva Reno, where water cannons and tear gas have been deployed to contain any potential violence.
Political statements and requests for clarification
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, in his ministerial statement, reiterated that the order was issued "to do one's duty" and called for the demonstration to be conducted in a civilized manner, "colorful, noisy, but without causing damage." At the same time, Minister Piantedosi emphasized that law enforcement is ready to manage the activation of the squares, calling it "treacherous but manageable." Opposition MPs Matteo Mauri and Debora Serracchiani have submitted questions to the Interior Minister to find out whether the reports of October 17-18 had been communicated, and what assessment had been made before the decision not to implement the preventative measures recommended by the director of Counterterrorism, Lucio Pifferi.
Tomorrow represents a real test for the authorities: they must balance the right to protest with the need to contain potential unrest, given recent looting and a climate of widespread tension. The nation's eyes will be on the key areas of Rome, Milan, Turin, and Bologna, where the response of law enforcement and political reactions will set the tone for future events.