At a Glance

• Clashes erupted in central Milan during a march against wars and rising living costs.
• Protesters threw objects at police, looted stores, and set fires.
• At least two police officers were injured, and about 50 demonstrators were detained.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence.

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A protest against wars and rising living costs turned violent in central Milan on Saturday, with demonstrators clashing with police, looting stores, and setting property on fire.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Giorgia Meloni, Italian prime minister: “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.”
• Giuseppe Sala, Milan mayor: "The reasons for the protests were understandable. The violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city are not justifiable.”
• Police response: Officers used water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators after clashes broke out.

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Clashes Disrupt Central Milan

The march began peacefully but escalated when masked protesters threw stones, paving blocks, and other objects at riot police. Some demonstrators set fire to barricades made from bar tables, while stores were looted and property was damaged.

The unrest emptied Piazza del Duomo and a nearby luxury shopping arcade, areas normally busy with weekend shoppers. Images from the aftermath showed a severely damaged Carabinieri police vehicle.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. La Presse reported that at least two officers were injured and approximately 50 demonstrators were detained, including many minors.

Italian Leaders Condemn Violence

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the unrest in a social media post. She criticized what she described as hooligans exploiting demonstrations to create chaos, attack security personnel, and disrupt entire cities. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala also condemned the violence while acknowledging the grievances behind the march.

Protests Also Take Place in France

The unrest in Milan coincided with demonstrations in neighboring France over rising living costs and grievances raised by high school students. French police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters involved in violence during the rallies.

The demonstrations reflect wider public concerns over economic pressures, although the protests in Italy and France involved their own local grievances.

FYI

Italy has experienced demonstrations over international conflicts, economic pressures, and domestic political issues. While peaceful assembly is protected, violence, property damage, and attacks on police can lead to arrests and criminal proceedings.

France has also seen recurring demonstrations over living costs, education, and other social issues. The scale and causes of unrest vary by protest, and the presence of violence does not necessarily reflect the views of all participants.

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