(Photo courtesy of Anadolu))
ROME – Italian authorities arrested 28 people, including 12 minors, after demonstrations against rising living costs turned violent across several cities over the weekend, leaving 141 law enforcement officers injured.
According to Sky TG24, clashes erupted during Saturday’s protests, with tensions continuing in central Milan on Sunday.
Police reported that 197 individuals were identified and brought to police stations, while 43 others were referred to judicial authorities.
The demonstrations, organized by the Italia in Piazza movement, protested increasing living expenses, fuel prices, and tax burdens.
Police estimated that approximately 5,000 people joined the protests in Milan, 3,000 in Turin, 2,000 in Bologna, 800 in Bergamo, and 600 in Brescia.
In Milan, protesters hurled stones, bottles, firecrackers, and barricades at police officers, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and water cannon.
Several businesses in the city center were damaged and looted, while a Carabinieri vehicle was destroyed.
Authorities arrested 17 individuals in Milan, where retail association Confcommercio estimated property damage at more than €500,000, or approximately $561,860.
In Turin, police detained an adult accused of resisting an officer and three minors allegedly found carrying Molotov cocktails.
A group of demonstrators also entered the Feltrinelli bookstore at Porta Nuova railway station and scattered books across the floor.
Meanwhile, five minors were arrested in Bologna following confrontations near the railway station, where protesters threw bottles, stones, and barriers at police.
Officers responded with tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for law enforcement personnel and called on opposition parties to condemn the violence.
Meloni also acknowledged that thousands of demonstrators had participated peacefully.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced that his League party would revive a parliamentary proposal requiring organizers of high-risk demonstrations to provide financial guarantees against possible property damage.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala recognized the concerns raised by protesters but stressed that attacks on police officers and widespread destruction could not be justified.
Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore likewise denounced the violence and urged young people to distance themselves from individuals exploiting demonstrations to engage in unlawful activities.
