Florence braces for Saturday protest with 500 police as movement shifts tactics

Florence is on high alert on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with over 500 police officers deployed across the city center ahead of a possible protest by the self-styled "Movimento 17 ottobre." The group has changed tactics, announcing they will reveal the meeting point only 30 minutes beforehand to surprise authorities. The Prefecture's security committee, led by Prefect Francesca Ferrandino, has organized a massive security operation, including 32 municipal police patrols, while police searched ten young people across Tuscany on Friday, five of them minors, linked to recent riots in Milan. Mayor Sara Funaro stated the city will not accept any form of violence. The movement, which is unorganized and has no political affiliation, has announced protests in several Italian cities, including Florence, against the high cost of living. Local luxury shops are preparing for potential assaults, and another student rally is scheduled for Monday against Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara.