Protests over the high cost of living also turned violent in some Italian cities over the weekend, with a number of luxury stores looted. The government is now promising to respond with “firm measures”. Among other things, it is preparing to reinforce security in Milan with 500 soldiers as part of the “Safe Streets” operation.
"We need the Council of Ministers to approve regulations that allow them to act in the same way as the police," Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said, according to Sky TG24.
Other measures being discussed include introducing the crime classification "aggravated damage" and extending the period for preventive detention of minors from 12 to 24 hours.
President Sergio Mattarella called for an “in-depth analysis” of “acts of violence that seem to erupt unexpectedly, committed by individuals who were not previously on the authorities’ radar.”