Student protests erupt across Italy, from Turin to Rome

Thousands of students protested across Italy on Friday, with demonstrations in Turin, Rome, Milan, and other cities against government education policies and military spending. In Turin, protesters threw stones and flares at police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. The protests follow days of school occupations. In Rome, over 5,000 students marched, burning US and Israeli flags and throwing firecrackers near the Education Ministry. In Milan and Genoa, protesters displayed images of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and ministers upside down. Teachers in Turin formed a cordon between students and police to de-escalate tensions. Organizers claim 400,000 students participated nationwide. Slogans included "Money for schools, not war" and "Fewer weapons, more rights." Further actions are planned, including a general strike on October 30 and a European student strike on November 20.