A general strike called by grassroots labor unions brought widespread protests, marches, and security tensions to major Italian cities, with notable confrontations reported in Rome and Turin.
The nationwide mobilization, organized by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) alongside other autonomous unions like SIAL Cobas, CLAP, and ADL Cobas, focused on opposition to the rising cost of living and increased military spending. In Rome, authorities took precautionary measures by closing Piazza Montecitorio and Piazza Colonna to the public, deploying riot police around government buildings. Clashes and bottle-throwing incidents occurred near areas such as Ponte Sisto and Lungotevere Testaccio, where law enforcement deployed water cannons and tear gas, and eight demonstrators were detained.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Turin for demonstrations in Piazza Castello and central streets including Via Roma and Via Po, resulting in police charges, tear gas, and water cannons following clashes and projectile throwing. Protests and disruptions also affected other urban centers, including Milan and Bologna, where demonstrators temporarily blocked major ring roads and highways before dispersing.
