On October 21, 2026, the Italian government decided to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan to control the situation arising from mass protests against the rising cost of living. Initially peaceful, the protests quickly escalated into clashes with police, acts of vandalism, and looting.
Causes of the Protests
The main reason for the protests was the sharp increase in prices for essential goods and services, which has significantly complicated life for many citizens. As a result, public dissatisfaction transformed into mass actions that spread not only through Milan but also other major cities in Italy.
Government Response
The government, led by Giorgia Meloni, announced its intention to take decisive measures to restore order. Among the planned actions are:
- deploying 500 soldiers to Milan;
- introducing new, stricter security measures;
- expanding the use of preventive detention for minors;
- intensifying the fight against youth gangs;
- banning gatherings of individuals posing a threat to public order.
Next Steps
New demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday, October 22, raising concerns among authorities. The government hopes that efforts to control the situation, including military presence, will help prevent further violence and ensure the safety of citizens.