Italian Student Protests Turn Violent; Meloni Urges All Parties to Condemn

Italian student protests erupted in multiple cities on Friday, with demonstrations in Rome drawing 20,000 participants and turning violent in several locations, prompting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to demand all political forces condemn the unrest. Clashes occurred in Verona, where 21 students were reported for setting fire to dumpsters, Turin with three minors arrested, and Bologna with 60 identified. In Rome, protesters threw firecrackers and bottles at police near the Education Ministry, with at least 18 officers reportedly struck, while Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara called the actions "political hooliganism." Opposition leaders responded critically to Meloni's appeal, with Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein saying the government should address student concerns about housing costs and school conditions rather than blame protesters. The demonstrations, organized by student collectives, demand more education funding and less military spending, ahead of a general strike called for October 30.