Clashes in Milan and Bologna left dozens injured and prompted arrests, while Italy's largest trade union announced a general strike for next month.
At least 40 protesters and two police officers were injured during clashes linked to demonstrations in several Italian cities, with the most serious incidents reported in Milan and Bologna.
Protests took place in Milan, Turin, Bologna and Rome, focusing largely on the rising cost of living and broader political grievances.
Clashes in Milan
The most serious violence occurred in Piazza del Duomo in Milan, where a group of masked protesters threw fire extinguishers, smoke bombs and café furniture at police.
Officers responded with batons and water cannon.
Among those injured were at least one young woman and a police officer, both of whom reportedly sustained head injuries.
Authorities said 50 people were taken into custody following the disturbances.
Tourists and local residents sought shelter in nearby shops and residential buildings as clashes unfolded in the city centre.
Unrest also reported in Bologna
In Bologna, a small group of masked demonstrators clashed with police, throwing stones and bottles.
Police responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.
Meanwhile, a separate protest in Turin focused on the rising cost of living and fuel prices, with demonstrators also chanting slogans against the far-right party National Future, led by former general Roberto Vannacci.
Meloni and Schlein condemn violence
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the unrest and called on the opposition to take a clear stance against violent acts.
“Demonstrating is a right. Destroying our cities is not,” she said, urging unanimous condemnation of the violence.
Earlier, Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, also denounced the clashes and expressed solidarity with police officers, journalists and the city of Turin following violence there.
General strike announced
In Rome, the CGIL trade union, which represents around 4.5 million members, organised a major march challenging the government's policies.
CGIL secretary Maurizio Landini announced that the union will hold a general strike on 20 November, coinciding with a planned Europe-wide student strike.
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