Peaceful marches against the high cost of living, organised among others by the “Italia in Piazza” movement, turned into riots over the weekend of 17–18 October. In central Milan masked young people looted shops and set property on fire. The Ansa agency described war-like scenes. Clashes also spread to Turin, Bologna and Bergamo.

Toll

According to AP, more than 100 police officers were injured over two days. Police estimate there were about 2,000 young people on the streets of Milan on Saturday evening. About 50 people were arrested, including more than 30 minors. Italian inflation was 4.2 per cent in September – above the eurozone average.

Government response

On 20 October Giorgia Meloni’s government adopted a decree: 500 additional soldiers in Milan until the end of the year, parental liability for damage caused by minors, easier prosecution of people over 14 and a new offence – violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a €20,000 fine. Meloni described the involvement of so many young people in the riots as painful and frightening. A new “17 October Movement” has announced demonstrations every Saturday at 15:00.