ROME: Violent clashes erupted across several Italian cities during demonstrations against rising living costs, fuel prices and economic pressures, leaving 141 law enforcement officers injured and 28 people arrested, including 12 minors.
According to Italian authorities, the unrest followed demonstrations organized by the Italia in Piazza movement on Saturday. Police identified 197 people and took them to police stations for questioning, while authorities reported 43 individuals to judicial officials.
Milan experienced the most serious violence, with protesters throwing stones, bottles, firecrackers and barricades at security personnel. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Several businesses suffered damage, while some shops were looted and a Carabinieri vehicle was destroyed. The retail association Confcommercio estimated losses to Milan businesses at more than €500,000.
Police arrested 17 people in Milan. Meanwhile, clashes also erupted in Turin, where officers arrested an adult and three minors allegedly found carrying petrol bombs. Protesters also entered a bookstore at Porta Nuova railway station and scattered books across the floor.
In Bologna, five minors were arrested following confrontations near the railway station, where demonstrators threw stones, bottles and barriers at security forces.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with injured officers and urged opposition parties to condemn the violence. However, she acknowledged that many demonstrators had participated peacefully.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala also recognized public concerns about economic hardship but stressed that attacks on police and destruction of property were unacceptable.
The unrest has intensified pressure on Italian authorities to address economic grievances while maintaining public order.
