On October 17, 2026, mass protests erupted in Italy, particularly in Milan, leading to clashes with police. Demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, which resulted in serious unrest.
Clashes in Milan
The largest disturbances occurred in front of the Gothic cathedral Duomo in Milan. Protesters threw stones and firecrackers at the police, smashed shop windows, and set objects on fire in the city center. In response, law enforcement used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Injuries and Arrests
According to law enforcement, during the protests, at least:
- 20 demonstrators
- 4 police officers
were injured. Additionally, about 50 people were arrested in Milan, and another 19 in Turin and Bologna.
Reasons for the Protests
Participants in the protests voiced their discontent over:
- high prices for goods
- rising fuel costs
- low wages
- high tax pressure
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and riots that occurred during the protests, calling for dialogue and solutions to the issues that sparked citizens' discontent.