Milan:Italian police arrested 28 individuals, including 12 minors, during violent cost-of-living protests in several cities over the weekend. Tensions remained high in central Milan as demonstrations turned into clashes.
According to Anadolu Agency, authorities reported that 197 people were identified and taken to police stations, with 43 referred to judicial authorities. The protests resulted in injuries to 141 law enforcement officers.
The Italia in Piazza movement organized Saturday's demonstrations against rising living costs, fuel prices, and tax pressures. The protests drew around 5,000 participants in Milan, 3,000 in Turin, 2,000 in Bologna, 600 in Brescia, and 800 in Bergamo, based on police estimates.
In Milan, protesters hurled stones, bottles, firecrackers, and barriers at the police, who retaliated with tear gas and water cannons. The unrest led to damage and looting in the city center, and a Carabinieri vehicle was destroyed. Police detained 17 individuals in Milan alone, with retail association Confcommercio estimating shop and business damages at over £500,000 ($561,860).
In Turin, an adult was arrested for resisting an officer, and three minors were apprehended for allegedly carrying Molotov cocktails. Protesters also targeted a bookstore, vandalizing its contents.
In Bologna, five minors were arrested after clashes near the railway station, where demonstrators used bottles and stones against police. Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced support for law enforcement and called on opposition parties to denounce the violence, despite acknowledging that many protested peacefully. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stated that his League party would reintroduce a proposal requiring organizers of risky demonstrations to provide financial guarantees for potential damages.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore both condemned the violence, emphasizing that grievances should not justify attacks on officers or property destruction.