Italy to deploy troops, tighten security after Milan unrest

The Italian government is preparing to approve new security measures in response to protests and violence, including the deployment of 500 army soldiers in Milan and granting them temporary powers to support police forces. The government is also considering restrictions on public gatherings, changes to the detention rules for minors, and tougher penalties for their parents.

The cabinet is expected to give the green light to the troop deployment during its meeting on Tuesday, following violent clashes between police and protesters in Milan over the weekend. The unrest led to hundreds of arrests and dozens of police officers injured, while several shops were looted and luxury brands closed their stores in the city.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the clashes as "disgraceful," telling a local radio station that the cabinet would announce a package of "immediate measures," including the deployment of army personnel.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, in a post on X on Monday, expressed hope that measures would be approved allowing soldiers to act with powers similar to those of police officers.

As part of the crackdown, the government is considering imposing restrictions on public gatherings, easing the conditions for detaining minors, and introducing stricter penalties for their parents. These proposals come as new protests are expected next Saturday.

Various regions across Italy have seen demonstrations involving school, high school, and university students, as well as farmers and truck drivers, protesting against the rising cost of living.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that those involved in the violence were "thugs exploiting protests to spread chaos, attack those ensuring security, and hold entire cities hostage."

Meloni's coalition government, made up of right-wing and far-right parties, faces new elections in 2027 as it considers expanding security measures in response to the unrest.