ROME — Italy’s right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approved a sweeping new security decree on Friday that increases penalties for attacks on law enforcement and strengthens protections for police, while sparking protests in the streets of Rome.

Meloni hailed the decree as a fulfillment of her campaign promise for a “safer Italy,” writing on X: “More tools and protections for the police, faster times to free illegally occupied properties, greater rigor against criminals... We are keeping that promise.”

Passed during a Cabinet meeting Thursday evening, the decree introduces tougher penalties for attacking security forces, strengthens eviction measures against squatters, and targets crimes such as pickpocketing at transportation hubs and fraud against the elderly.

It also requires law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and removes the legal shield of pregnancy for women seeking to avoid jail time for criminal offenses. Those who assault railway and metro workers face a lifetime ban from public services, while activists who block roads — a tactic used by environmental groups — could face up to two years in prison.

Critics, including Democratic Party (PD) opposition leader Francesco Boccia, slammed the decree as “punitive populism” aimed at criminalizing dissent.

The decree must still pass both chambers of parliament to become law.

While the Cabinet was in session, demonstrators gathered near the Pantheon to protest the new measures. Police blocked their march toward the prime minister’s office, leading to clashes. Security forces used batons to disperse the crowd after bottles were reportedly thrown at officers, injuring two.

Protests continued across multiple parts of Rome throughout the evening. — Agencies