Italian Students Stage Nationwide Protests for Education Reform and Climate Action

Thousands Mobilize Across Italy

On November 14, 2025, thousands of students across Italy took to the streets in a national strike and series of protests, advocating for substantial reforms in the education sector and decisive action on climate change. Demonstrations were reported in over 50 cities, including major centers like Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples, Bologna, and Genoa. The mobilization, which saw an estimated 20,000 students participate, was organized by prominent student groups such as Fridays For Future (FFF) and the Unione degli Studenti (Student Union), alongside Link – Coordinamento Universitario and Rete della Conoscenza.

Demands for Education Reform

A central focus of the protests was the call for a revamped education system and increased investment in public schooling. Students voiced strong criticism against what they described as an 'obsolete teaching and evaluation system'. Key demands included:

• Increased funding for public education and universities, with some groups advocating for at least 20 billion euros for universities and research.
• Opposition to government cuts in education spending.
• Rejection of the current 'school-work alternation' (PCTO) system, which students argue leads to exploitation.
• A call for a 'new formation' and a 'different school model'.
• Protests against the renaming of the Education Ministry to the 'Ministry of Education and Merit', viewed by some as discriminatory.

Tommaso Martelli, national coordinator of the Student Union, stated, 'We are here to demand dialogue and action; we want a response from the ministry to our concerns.' He also highlighted the disparity, noting, 'while billions are invested in weapons, there are those who cannot even afford books to study.'

Urgent Calls for Climate Action

The protests also underscored the students' deep concern over the escalating climate crisis, with activists asserting that political leaders are neglecting the urgency of the situation. The timing of the strike coincided with COP30 in Belém, Brazil, allowing students to link their national demands to international climate negotiations. Marzio Chirico, a spokesperson for Fridays For Future, emphasized the need to 'bring the urgency of the problem back to the center of public debate.' Students demanded a 'just transition' and called for increased financial contributions from Global North countries to climate funds. They also expressed opposition to the financing of fossil fuel projects.

Political Opposition and Incidents

Many protests were characterized by strong opposition to the current government, with the slogan 'No Meloni Day' being used in several cities. Students also condemned the government's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, carrying signs such as 'Schools against genocide' and 'Stop the genocide', and criticizing Italy's support for Israel. While largely peaceful, some demonstrations saw clashes with security forces, particularly in Turin and Bologna. In Rome, a student group poured red paint in front of the Education Ministry as part of their protest.