21.10.2026 00:01
The transformation of protests that began in Italy against the high cost of living into violent incidents led the government to take new security measures. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reacting to the looting and attacks during the demonstrations, announced the details of a regulation that includes detention measures covering young people over the age of 14, heavy fines, and compensation liability for families.
After violent incidents during demonstrations against the cost of living in Italy, the government adopted a decree containing new measures aimed at ensuring public order. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that vandalism and theft cannot be considered protest and announced that sanctions against those involved in violence will be tightened. Under the new regulation, prison sentences and fines are introduced for those who resort to violence during demonstrations, while damages caused by minors are also envisaged to be collected from their families.
MELONI: VANDALISM AND THEFT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH REVOLUTIONISM
In a statement after the Council of Ministers meeting, Meloni drew attention to the economic difficulties experienced by young people and said, “We know what it means to look for work, to earn an insufficient wage, and to see no hope for the future. But hardships can never be used as an excuse for violence.”
Reacting to the looting incidents and attacks on security forces in Milan, Meloni said, “Vandalism and theft have nothing to do with revolutionism. Damaging the environment and theft are not protest, they are crimes.”
UP TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR VIOLENCE AT DEMONSTRATIONS
Under the decree, those who throw objects such as stones, firecrackers or sticks as part of a group of at least five people during demonstrations and endanger public safety are envisaged to receive up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros.
It is planned to increase penalties if the offense is committed with the face concealed or if people are injured. Authorities are also given new powers to ensure compensation for damages occurring during demonstrations.
FAMILIES WILL PAY FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY MINORS
Under the new regulation, persons who damage public property or private property during demonstrations are expected to cover this damage. If the responsible person is a minor, it will be possible to collect the compensation from their parents.
Within the scope of the regulation, police will be able to detain young people between the ages of 14 and 17 under certain conditions, on suspicion of having committed a crime, as part of a preventive measure.
The government also amended the assessment of criminal responsibility concerning children older than 14, regarding whether they are able to grasp the meaning and consequences of their actions. Under the new system, this capacity will be presumed unless proven otherwise.
500 SOLDIERS TO BE DEPLOYED TO MILAN
As part of security measures, it is planned to deploy 500 soldiers to support the police in Milan until the end of 2026.
The Ministry of Defense announced that the soldiers will serve to strengthen the protection of critical points, increase surveillance in sensitive areas and intensify inspections.
NEW PROTESTS ON THE AGENDA
Meanwhile, some groups organizing demonstrations via social media called for new actions. The group operating under the name “17 October Movement” called for anti-government protests to be held on Saturdays in major cities such as Rome, Milan and Bologna.
Representatives of the “Italy in the Square” group also announced that they were considering returning to the squares at the end of October. Group representatives stated that they do not support acts of violence and that these incidents damage the message of peaceful protest.
The demands raised during the demonstrations include job security, bringing wages in line with the cost of basic needs, investment in public health services, solving problems in the education system and the right to access housing. Demonstrators argue that issues such as poverty and social exclusion must also be addressed in order to ensure street safety.