Italian cities prepare tight security for nationwide cost of living protests

Italian authorities are preparing for nationwide protests against the rising cost of living scheduled for Saturday 24 October. Euronews reported that Rome will deploy 1,500 security officers while Milan will see 1,800 police and soldiers deployed. Demonstrations are expected across several cities including Milan, Bologna, Genoa, Turin, Rome and Florence. [1]

Authorities and business owners fear a repetition of violence that took place on 17 and 18 October, when hundreds of people targeted shops and law enforcement officers. According to Euronews, the protest aggregation website Mappa della rivolta lists more than 30 planned actions across Italy, ranging from marches and sit-ins to assemblies and strikes. [1]

International foreign diplomatic missions have issued safety warnings to their citizens in response to the planned demonstrations. Nation Thailand reported that the Thai embassy urged its nationals in France to avoid protests on 24 October. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy warned Filipinos living in Italy about potential unrest and protests on the same day, according to Manila Bulletin and DZRH News. [3][7][8]

The United States Embassy in Rome issued a demonstration alert ahead of the weekend events. The local publication The Florentine reported that Florence is also preparing for the 24 October protest actions. [4][5]