Tens of thousands of students and workers took to the streets across Italy on Friday in a nationwide general strike, demanding greater investment in education, higher wages and relief from the rising cost of living while opposing increased military spending.

The 24-hour strike, called by the grassroots Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) trade union, brought demonstrations to more than 40 cities amid heightened security following violent clashes at protests in recent weeks.

Students have been at the forefront of the growing protest movement, organising demonstrations, setting up tent camps and occupying schools and university buildings to demand better educational facilities, affordable housing and increased public investment.

The movement, which has drawn inspiration from similar demonstrations in France and Spain, has also attracted support from farmers, truck drivers, taxi drivers and other workers struggling with rising fuel prices and living costs.

Protests took place in Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Genoa, Naples and dozens of other cities.

In Rome, thousands of demonstrators marched from the central Termini railway station towards the Colosseum, waving flags, carrying banners and chanting slogans. Two tractors and a taxi joined the procession, highlighting the participation of farmers and transport workers.

In Turin, police used water cannon after some protesters approached security cordons around the prefecture, with minor clashes reported between demonstrators and riot police.

In Genoa, around 15,000 port workers, students and other protesters entered the port area to oppose the use of maritime facilities for arms shipments and draw attention to the human cost of ongoing conflicts.

In Milan, demonstrators marched along part of the city's ring road before gathering near the Polytechnic University. Some rubbish bins were set alight in Rome, although most of the nationwide demonstrations remained peaceful.

Beyond demands for better-funded schools and universities, protesters criticised the government's spending priorities, arguing that more resources should be directed towards education, healthcare, housing and other public services rather than military expansion.

Transport and agricultural workers have also joined the mobilisation over soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of essential goods and household bills.

The protests have taken on an international dimension, with trade unions and port workers in several countries coordinating actions against the militarisation of ports and the transportation of weapons.

The USB and its international partners have called for an end to the use of ports to ship weapons, ammunition and military equipment, arguing that dockworkers should not be made complicit in wars.

The nationwide mobilisation comes as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government faces growing criticism over economic conditions, public spending and its response to mounting social discontent.

The government recently approved a 175-million-euro support package for truck drivers, farmers and fishermen affected by rising fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Measures targeting young workers and families have also been included in the draft 2027 budget.

However, trade unions and student organisations argue that these initiatives fall short of addressing the broader economic pressures facing households and younger generations.

Authorities had stepped up security preparations ahead of Friday's demonstrations following riots and looting in Milan on October 17-18, as well as subsequent violent protests in Turin, Rome and Bologna.

Despite isolated confrontations, Friday's nationwide strike brought together students, workers and other social groups in a broad challenge to the government's economic and defence policies. (ILKHA)