Milan Cost-of-Living March Turns Violent as Rioters Loot Shops and Clash With Police

A march against wars and rising living costs in Milan turned violent on Saturday, with rioters looting stores, setting fires and clashing with police in the city center, ABC News reported. Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping arcade, normally crowded with shoppers at that time, were emptied.

The LaPresse news agency reported that at least two police officers were injured and about 50 demonstrators were detained, many of them minors. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala both condemned the violence.

What happened in central Milan?

According to ABC News, the march began peacefully. It was held to protest wars and the rising cost of living. As the day went on, masked protesters began throwing stones, paving blocks and other objects at riot police.

Rioters also looted stores and set property on fire. Among the fires were barricades built from bar tables. Images of the aftermath showed a carabinieri car that had been severely damaged.

How did police respond?

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, ABC News reported. LaPresse said at least two officers were hurt. It also reported that about 50 people were detained and that many of them were minors. Reports on any injuries among demonstrators or others were not included in the coverage.

What did Italian leaders say?

Meloni condemned the violence in a social media post. She drew a line between protest and destruction, writing, “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.” She blamed hooligans who, in her words, exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those responsible for security and hold entire cities hostage.

Sala, who leads Milan as a center-left mayor, said the reasons behind the protests were understandable. He added that violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city could not be justified.

Were there similar protests elsewhere?

ABC News noted that the unrest in Milan coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France. Those rallies were against rising living costs and in support of high school students’ grievances. French police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who had joined them.

What does this mean for people in Milan?

For residents, shoppers and business owners in the city center, the immediate effect was disruption. One of Milan’s busiest areas was cleared of people, and shops in the area were looted. The extent of the property damage and the financial cost were not disclosed in the initial reports.

The episode also shows how a protest over everyday economic pressure can split public debate. The prime minister focused on the violence and those she held responsible for it. The mayor said the grievances behind the march were understandable while rejecting the attacks on police and the damage to the city.

Many of those detained were minors, which is likely to keep attention on who took part in the clashes. Authorities have not yet said what charges, if any, will follow.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by ABC News