Cost-of-living protests are spreading throughout Europe, with Italy now facing unrest that mirrors recent scenes in Paris, France. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a high-level security meeting on Monday, 19 October, to discuss measures to tackle unrest following two days of violence.
Authorities confirmed that 500 additional army troops will be deployed to help restore order, following clashes between protesters and police and looting at supermarkets and boutique stores. While tensions have eased since the weekend, the government faces renewed pressure as Italy's largest trade union, CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour), announced a nationwide general strike for 20 November 2026.