More than 2,000 high school students gathered in Florence on Friday to protest Italy’s education policies, staging a demonstration under the banner “No Meloni Day.” The protest began in piazza San Marco, where participants carried signs displaying messages such as “No one is a foreigner here” and “The school is ours.”

The event targeted the government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, signaling dissatisfaction among the youth with the current administration’s approach to education reform. Organizers and participants expressed concerns about policies they believe undermine inclusivity and the quality of education.

The demonstration was part of a broader series of student-led actions across the country, reflecting growing unrest in the education sector. While detailed responses from the government were not immediately available, the protest underscored the tensions between Italy’s youth and policymakers regarding the direction of national education strategies.

No reports of violence or significant disruptions were linked to the event, which concluded peacefully in the historic city center.