Europe
Italy sends 500 troops to Milan after two days of clashes; Meloni: Destroying cities is not protest
The government is expected to give the soldiers police powers, while luxury brand stores in the fashion capital remain closed.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 20, 2026, 11:00 · Updated 12:21 · 1 min read
In brief
- The Italian cabinet is expected to approve on Tuesday the deployment of 500 soldiers to Milan with police powers.
- Hundreds of protesters were detained during the clashes on Saturday and Sunday; damage exceeds 1 million euros.
- Students, farmers and truckers are protesting across the country against the high cost of living.
The Italian government is preparing to send 500 soldiers to Milan after two days of unrest and looting in the northern city. A cabinet meeting on Tuesday is expected to approve their deployment and give the soldiers police powers while they temporarily support law enforcement.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the clashes “shameful” and warned of immediate measures. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he hopes the government will approve the provisions allowing soldiers to act as a law enforcement force.
Meloni: A right to protest, not to destroy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the perpetrators of the violence “hooligans” who exploit the demonstrations. The government is also considering broader measures, such as restrictions on public gatherings, looser rules for detaining minors and tougher penalties for their parents.
Hundreds of protesters were detained and dozens of police officers were injured during the clashes on Saturday and Sunday. Local prosecutors described the violence as extraordinarily destructive, with damage of more than 1 million euros. Several well-known brand stores in the fashion district were looted, while others stayed closed or removed their window displays.
The protests in Italy are led by high school and university students, farmers and truckers, mainly against the rising cost of living. In the south, blockades of ports and highways are disrupting the supply of goods. New protests are expected on Saturday.
