Italian law enforcement authorities have confirmed the arrest of 28 individuals, among them 12 minors, in the wake of violent clashes during cost-of-living demonstrations held across various cities. The protests, organized by the Italia in Piazza movement, were aimed at addressing public grievances regarding surging living expenses, fuel prices, and tax pressures. While thousands participated peacefully, significant unrest broke out in several locations, resulting in 141 law enforcement officers sustaining injuries.
According to police reports, 197 individuals were identified and processed at police stations, with 43 subsequently referred to judicial authorities. Milan saw the largest turnout with an estimated 5,000 demonstrators, followed by 3,000 in Turin, 2,000 in Bologna, 800 in Bergamo, and 600 in Brescia. In Milan, the situation turned volatile as groups launched stones, bottles, firecrackers, and barriers at police officers, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. The city center suffered extensive damage, with numerous shops looted and a Carabinieri vehicle destroyed. The retail association Confcommercio estimated that the damages to businesses in Milan exceeded €500,000 ($561,860).
In Turin, police arrested one adult for resisting officers and three minors who were allegedly in possession of Molotov cocktails. Additionally, demonstrators entered the Feltrinelli bookstore at the Porta Nuova station and discarded books onto the floor. Clashes also occurred in Bologna near the railway station, leading to the arrest of five minors after protesters threw bottles, stones, and barriers at police, who again utilized tear gas and water cannons.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her solidarity with law enforcement, calling on opposition parties to condemn the violence unequivocally while acknowledging the right of citizens to protest peacefully. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini indicated that his League party intends to reintroduce a parliamentary proposal that would require organizers of potentially risky demonstrations to provide financial guarantees for prospective damages. Local leaders also weighed in; Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala described the violence and property damage as unjustifiable despite the validity of the protesters' concerns, while Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore urged young people to disassociate themselves from those utilizing the protests as a cover for criminal behavior.
