Violent clashes at protests in Milan, Bologna and Turin – dozens arrested
Demonstrations against high cost of living resulted in rioting in several Italian cities. Around 50 people were temporarily arrested in Milan.
Rioting in Italy: stones, water cannons and injuries
Nationwide protests against high cost of living descended into violent clashes on Saturday in several Italian cities. According to 20 Minuten, citing Rai News, the rioting was particularly severe in Milan – Bologna and Turin were also affected.
The coalition "Italia in Piazza" had called for the demonstrations. Participants demanded lower prices, higher wages, and improvements to the health and education systems.
Milan
More than 5,000 people initially gathered peacefully in the Cathedral Square, including numerous young people and families with children. As the march moved through the city centre, the situation escalated: in Via Broletto, demonstrators threw stones and fireworks at police officers, prompting law enforcement to move against the crowd. Later, a construction site was set on fire; shop windows and bus shelters were damaged. Police ultimately dispersed the demonstration.
The violence did not end there. Around 100 black-clad young people marched through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Shop staff and customers barricaded themselves in luxury stores whilst clashes continued outside. Around 50 people were temporarily arrested, and approximately ten had to be admitted to hospital. A police officer and a photographer were also injured.
Bologna
Outside the main railway station, masked young people threw stones, glass bottles and barriers at police officers. Officers deployed water cannons and tear gas. Seven people were detained; police are examining their involvement in the incidents.
Turin
The demonstration in Turin also did not remain entirely peaceful. A group of young people broke into a bookshop at Porta Nuova railway station and threw books to the floor. During subsequent clashes with police, twelve people were detained, including ten minors.
Response from Rome
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the incidents. "Demonstrating is a right. Destroying our cities is not," she wrote on social media. Meloni called on opposition parties to clearly condemn the violence and accused rioters of exploiting the protests to create chaos and attack security forces.
Source: 20 Minuten