
The October 17 Movement (M1710) in Italy has published its first communiqué, taking on a role in the protests that brought thousands of young people to the streets on October 17 and in the days that followed. The movement, which recently opened its social media channels, aims to unite young people and raise their political awareness, rejecting traditional models of organization.
M1710 describes itself as a youth movement without a leader, secretary, spokesperson, headquarters or membership card. According to it, the lack of a well-defined structure is a political choice, as the movement should not be controlled by a specific person or group. Its very name is linked to the date October 17, which according to its members is a date that belongs to everyone and cannot be appropriated by anyone.
In the published manifesto, the movement expresses distrust of the government and institutions, which it accuses of restricting the right to protest and of dealing with the discontent of young people mainly through punitive measures. It also opposes traditional political parties and unions, considering them part of the system it seeks to change. Other organizations operating outside the institutions, according to it, must also prove that they genuinely support the protests and do not try to control them.
Another concern raised by M1710 is what it calls increasing repression of protesters. The movement cites the identification of activists, legal proceedings, orders to leave certain areas and infiltration, as well as attacks by fascist groups, which it says are tolerated or covered up. For this reason, it argues that the lack of a single leader, headquarters and list of members makes it more difficult to crack down on the movement.
M1710 says it is inspired by various protest movements around the world, including those in Egypt, Tunisia, Hong Kong, Sudan, Algeria, Lebanon and Chile, as well as the Indignados and Occupy movements. The manifesto also mentions the protests of Serbian students and the mobilization of Gen Z youth in Morocco. According to the movement, these experiences show that organizing without a single leader can be a way to challenge power, even though many of them have faced restrictions and repression.
For M1710, protests should not be limited to street rallies. They should also serve as spaces for discussion, debate, and political education of young people. The movement aims to create a common consciousness and encourage participation, without requiring everyone to necessarily have the same opinion.
Social networks, especially Telegram, TikTok, and Instagram, are among the main tools I use to communicate, mobilize young people, and organize meetings and protests.
The publication of the manifesto comes at a time when the role of social networks in mobilizing protests is also being discussed in Italy. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has warned of their use as tools of a hybrid war, which he says could incite chaos and destabilize Western governments.
On the other hand, M1710 presents itself as an attempt by young people to take control of their future and not leave it in the hands of those it describes as kleptocrats. The movement does not seek to become part of existing political structures, but aims to create a new space for organizing from below.
The manifesto ends with the slogan that sums up its philosophy: October 17: a movement, no god.