Violent protests in Milan: Shops looted, property set on fire; around 50 people detained

Protests against the rising cost of living and wars turned violent late Saturday night in central Milan, where demonstrators clashed with police, looted shops, and set property on fire. The violence emptied Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping gallery.

The march had begun peacefully, but masked protesters threw stones, paving stones, and other objects at law enforcement officers and set fire to barricades made from bar tables. A Carabinieri vehicle was severely damaged.

Police intervened with water cannons and tear gas. At least two officers were injured, and approximately 50 demonstrators, including minors, were detained. Authorities continue to investigate the damage and incidents that occurred.

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the violence. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said that the grievances were understandable, but attacks on law enforcement officers and the damage could not be justified.

The unrest coincided with similar demonstrations in France, where more than 1,200 people were detained and 150 police officers and gendarmes were injured. The French protests drew approximately 550,000 participants.