Protests across Italian cities over cost of living turn violent in Rome and Turin

In brief

• Protests against the high cost of living hit several major Italian cities on Saturday.
• Milan's march stayed peaceful under heavy military presence, while Rome and Turin saw clashes with police.
• The government announced 500 more soldiers for Milan and harsher penalties for minors.

Milan march passes calmly under heavy security

Thousands of young people marched through Milan on Saturday, with soldiers patrolling the streets. Luxury boutiques had boarded up their windows, and by the afternoon most shops had reopened. (Протесты в Италии: в Риме пытались штурмовать Колизей – Charter 97) (Протести в Італії: на вулицях Мілана - військові, у Римі - спроби штурмувати Колізей – Європейська правда)

Clashes in Rome and Turin

In Rome, protesters tried to storm the Colosseum, while in Turin police clashed briefly with demonstrators. Reports say police also used water cannons and tear gas in several cities, and some participants were struck with batons. (Włochy w ogniu, zamieszki przybrały na sile. Petardy i race poleciały w policję – Polsat News) (Europa pogrążona w protestach. Tysiące ludzi na ulicach Włoch – Onet)

Government response

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a set of measures, including sending 500 additional soldiers to Milan and tougher penalties for minors. Police said minors made up a large share of those involved in violent protests the previous week, and several young people were detained in Milan as a preventive step.

Scale of the protests

In Milan, police said more than 5,000 people took part in one demonstration, with students and pupils making up a large share. Protesters burned a figure of the prime minister and dumped manure in front of the energy regulator's building.

Security measures

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi had warned in advance that police would respond firmly and had deployed extra officers to the most exposed locations.