Protests Against The High Cost of Living Turn Violent In Milan

It began as demonstration against the high cost of living, against wages that were becoming increasingly inadequate in the face of rising inflation, against rising gas prices, and against cuts to public services. But on Saturday, the protests turned into a battle that wreaked havoc in Milan’s Piazza Duomo, with clashes also breaking out in Turin and Bologna, as well as in Paris and countless French cities as far as Limoges, where its city hall was vandalized.

La Stampa reports that starting Friday, a flyer circulated on social media, Telegram, and TikTok, reading: “Everyone to the Square—National Protest.” Reports indicate that several hundred protesters followed that directive, arriving in downtown Milan and, eventually, clashing with police.

According to officials, a faction of the protesters released smoke bombs and firecrackers, and overturned tables and chairs in public areas. Trash cans and cobblestones from the square were allegedly thrown, and a construction site behind the Duomo was reportedly set on fire.

Milanese officials say that at least twenty people have been injured in the protests, and 60 have been detained. According to witnesses, it wasn't organized protesters who ended the peace, it was a separate faction of young people, many in masks. In fact, representatives of the student collectives behind the original demonstrations had left before the street fighting and attacks on storefronts began, local outlets report.

Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, said in a statement: “The reasons for the protest were understandable. The violence against law enforcement and the serious damage to the city are unjustifiable. Politicians can choose to exploit the situation in search of electoral support. Or they can wisely address this extremely difficult historical moment: I hope that is the choice they make.”

“Protesting is a right. Ransacking our cities is not. I renew my request to the opposition: do not be ambiguous on this. Condemn this violence unequivocally and issue a clear call for all demonstrations to be peaceful. In the face of such scenes, the rejection must be unanimous. Any hesitation becomes an excuse. Silence is unacceptable,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on social media. She went on to criticize those “who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those who ensure public safety, and hold entire cities hostage.”