20.10.2026 10:14
After protests in Italy turned into violent incidents, the government decided to send 500 soldiers to Milan. During the demonstrations, shops were looted and vehicles set on fire, and clashes occurred between police and protesters. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced that the soldiers would be assigned to ensure the city's security, while the Meloni government also put new security measures on its agenda.
After the weekend violence in Italy, the government decided to increase security measures. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini announced that 500 more soldiers would be deployed to support police teams in Milan.
In a statement on his social media account, Salvini said, "From words to action! 500 more soldiers to protect Milan."
The soldiers are planned to serve as part of the "Safe Streets" operation carried out to maintain public order in the city.
PROTESTS TURNED INTO LOOTING AND CLASHES
The protests that began in Milan on October 17 against the cost of living, wars and problems in public services proceeded peacefully in the first hours.
However, in the later hours of the demonstrations, some groups who covered their faces clashed with police. The demonstrators threw stones and various objects at security forces, set fire to garbage containers, built barricades and looted stores.
Police intervened in the incidents with water cannons and tear gas. Security measures were increased in Duomo Square, one of the busiest points of the city, and in the shopping areas around it.
271 PEOPLE TAKEN TO POLICE STATION
After the events on October 18, Milan police took 271 people to the police station. Of these people, 32 were arrested after detention procedures, while legal proceedings were initiated against 28 people.
According to police data, 220 of those taken to the police station were minors. 14 security officers were injured in the clashes. It was announced that the damage suffered by commercial businesses in Milan reached 1 million euros according to initial calculations.
LUXURY STORES CLEARED THEIR DISPLAY WINDOWS
Store owners, worried about renewed violence, took precautions on Milan's famous shopping street Via Montenapoleone.
In the area where world-famous brands such as Chanel, Tiffany and Dior are located, many stores removed products from their display windows, while some businesses closed early. Following the looting of stores, many businesses covered their windows with wooden panels.
NEW SECURITY PACKAGE FROM THE MELONI GOVERNMENT
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held an emergency meeting with ministers and security officials after the events.
At the meeting, new legal regulations targeting those who resorted to violence during the protests were discussed. In the security package prepared by the government, it is being evaluated to expand the practice of preventive detention for minor suspects, increase sanctions for crimes of collective damage to property, and take new measures against street gangs. The new regulations are expected to be discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on October 20.