Protests Turn Violent in Milan and Other Italian Cities
Clashes between protesters and police erupted across several Italian cities, including Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo, as demonstrators voiced concerns over high living costs and stagnant wages. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
What happened
- Protests against high living costs and low wages occurred across Italy on Saturday.
- In Milan, black-clad, masked youths threw fireworks and bottles at police and erected barricades in Piazza Duomo.
- Police initially withdrew and later used tear gas.
- Approximately 50 young people were arrested, including minors.
- Similar clashes occurred in Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo, with police using water cannons and making arrests.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, stating that demonstrations were a right but setting cities on fire was not.
- She blamed organized groups exploiting demonstrations for chaos.
- Francesco Filini, an MP, stated that left-wing extremists were responsible for organized destruction.
- The Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro (CGIL) organized the demonstrations, with its leader, Maurizio Landini, announcing a general strike.
- Some protesters looted stores and damaged property.
Original reporting
- Sky News: Second day of violence in Milan as protesters clash with police
2026-10-18T18:37:00+00:00 - Deutsche Welle: Italy: Clashes erupt at cost-of-living protests
2026-10-18T16:02:35.187000+00:00 - Fox News World: Meloni condemns ‘gangs of thugs’ after protests turned violent across Italy
2026-10-18T15:34:57+00:00