A new security decree issued in June by the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sparked significant concern among Italy’s students, particularly those from politically active high schools in Rome. The measure, which aims to enhance public safety, has raised fears that it threatens the long-standing tradition of civil disobedience that has historically been a hallmark of student activism. Students from the Augusto Righi and Torquato Tasso schools, known for their involvement in various social and political movements, expressed their apprehensions during a meeting at the Villa Borghese park on September 19.
The students, who have long relied on peaceful protests and civil disobedience as a means to voice their political opinions, are now worried that the new decree could curtail their rights to protest and express dissent. They unfurled a banner during the gathering to show their solidarity and resistance against the government’s policies. The protest, organized by student collectives, highlights the growing tension between the government’s emphasis on security measures and the students’ rights to free expression and assembly.
Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the Brothers of Italy party, has been at the forefront of implementing policies that prioritize national security and law and order. Her government has faced criticism from various groups for its strict approach to public dissent, which some argue could stifle democratic freedoms. The students’ concerns reflect a broader debate within Italy about the balance between maintaining public safety and upholding civil liberties. As the discussions around the security decree continue, the implications for student activism and democratic engagement in Italy remain a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.