Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan after cost-of-living protests turn violent

Summary

Protests in Milan over the high cost of living turned violent over the weekend, with clashes with police, vandalism and looting. Several hundred hooded demonstrators, many believed to be minors, set bins ablaze and looted shops in the city centre, and luxury shops closed for fear of further unrest. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is sending 500 soldiers to Milan and has vowed a "firm response from the state" ahead of further demonstrations planned for Saturday. The government is also planning tougher security measures, including a new offence of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting. France has also said military forces will be deployed.

Timeline

1. Japan Times

   20 Oct 2026, 02:06 UTCSource ↗

   The Japan Times reports that several hundred hooded demonstrators, many believed to be minors, set bins ablaze and looted city-centre shops over the weekend, and that Milan luxury shops closed for fear of new unrest as the government prepares to deploy troops.

2. The Guardian

   20 Oct 2026, 21:24 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Italy is sending 500 soldiers to Milan after protests over the high cost of living descended into clashes with police, vandalism and looting, and that the government plans tougher security measures ahead of further demonstrations on Saturday.