Protests against budget cuts, rising living costs, military spending, and government policies are taking place across Italy, including in Rome, Milan, Turin, and Bologna. These demonstrations are part of a wider wave of unrest affecting various European cities, from Madrid and Tirana to locations in Portugal.
Milan has seen heavy security reinforcements following riots, looting, and violent clashes that occurred last weekend. Luxury boutiques were boarded up, and surveillance helicopters and drones have been deployed to monitor central Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding marches. Soldiers are patrolling the streets in groups alongside military vehicles and a water cannon.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has approved tough security reforms and implemented several measures to curb violence. These include deploying an additional 500 soldiers to the financial hub and introducing harsher penalties for minors, who police identified as a large proportion of last week's violent protesters.
Clashes between officers and demonstrators have been reported in Turin, Rome, and Bologna. In Milan, some visitors stated they would leave the city center if violence breaks out again.