European Cities Deploy Security Forces as Protests Spread

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities across Europe on Saturday, October 24, 2026, protesting issues including education costs, corruption, housing and pensions. In Italy, authorities reinforced security in Milan and Rome to prevent a repeat of the violence and looting that accompanied demonstrations the previous weekend, while protests in Albania escalated into clashes and fires at government buildings.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni announced additional security measures, including deploying 500 more soldiers to Milan and imposing tougher penalties on minors involved in violence. Police also detained several minors as a preventive measure, according to Italian media.

The additional troops joined hundreds of soldiers already stationed in Milan, supporting approximately 5,000 police officers and other security personnel. Authorities used drones, railway station checks, rapid-response units and online monitoring to identify potential threats.

In Milan, thousands of mostly young demonstrators marched through the city as luxury retailers boarded up their storefronts. Several businesses reopened by late afternoon, although the Apple store remained closed. The march ended peacefully outside Milan Polytechnic, more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the city center.

Protesters also gathered outside Italy's energy regulator, where a group dumped manure and burned an oversized symbolic electricity bill, according to footage broadcast on local television. Banners included the message:

"No to lies of the state."

Authorities were also investigating a 30-year-old freelance journalist described as the "mastermind" of the newly formed Oct. 17 movement, which has driven much of Italy's recent protest activity.

Milan police said violence and looting the previous weekend involved approximately 2,000 very young protesters, including people described as "naturalized, second-generation Italians," alongside foreign nationals. Over two days, police arrested 45 people, including 34 minors.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said soldiers deployed for the demonstrations had recently received limited authorization to use plastic restraint ties around railway stations. He said they were not permitted to carry pepper spray or tasers.

In Rome, authorities increased security around luxury shopping streets, Circus Maximus and Piazza del Popolo. A small group attempted to enter the Colosseum but was escorted out by guards. Several hundred students held a peaceful demonstration to distinguish their movement from those responsible for previous violence.

Riccardo Ponzio, national president of an Italian far-right student association, criticized the previous week's unrest and its impact on young people.

"I think the images from last week were truly something terrible, especially for the young people, for the students, for the vast majority of the younger generations who want to study ... and do not accept being represented by those who use issues and needs to devastate entire cities," said Riccardo Ponzio.

A separate anti-war march in central Rome briefly turned violent near Piazza della Repubblica. Organizers had urged participants to keep their faces uncovered and hands visible, but clashes broke out as organizers attempted to restrain the crowd. Protesters retreated after police deployed a water cannon.

In Albania's capital, Tirana, riot police used water cannons against large groups of demonstrators, some of whom set government buildings on fire and threw projectiles at officers. Authorities said 2,500 police officers patrolled the city on Saturday.

Student demonstrations in Albania have continued for more than a week, with high school and university students demanding lower tuition fees, increased public investment in education and action against corruption. Some demonstrators have joined a wider opposition movement calling for the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.

A separate opposition-organized protest outside the prime minister's office also turned violent, with some activists setting fires in the street. Rama said his government was preparing a response to the students' demands and invited them to engage in dialogue, while warning that participants in violent demonstrations would face penalties.

In Madrid, thousands of retirees and other demonstrators marched peacefully to oppose changes to public pensions ahead of next month's snap election. Maria José Benito, 68, said protesters feared the privatization of the pension system.

"They are threatening us with privatizing pensions. It's just another thing they want to profit from," said Maria José Benito.

Spain's protests took place as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialist Party criticized the conservative opposition ahead of the election. Demonstrations were also reported in other European cities, including Lisbon and Tirana, reflecting a broad range of concerns about public services, economic pressures and government accountability.