Protesters clash with police in downtown Milan (VIDEOS)

Police deployed tear gas and water cannons as demonstrations over rising living costs turned violent in several Italian cities.

Italian police have deployed tear gas and water cannons during clashes with protesters in Bologna and Milan amid nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living.

Organized by Italia in Piazza, a movement of students and young workers, the rallies began across Italy on Saturday to protest high fuel and energy prices, soaring rents, low wages, and deteriorating healthcare and education. Demonstrators also voiced opposition to military spending.

In Milan, where more than 5,000 people joined the march, participants carried a banner demanding “more money for families, less for wars.” In Genoa, crowds waved Palestinian flags and carried anti-war placards, calling for more funding for schools and housing rather than weapons.

While initially peaceful, the rally in Milan turned violent when demonstrators reached police cordons in the city center. Masked protesters threw stones and homemade explosive devices at officers, who responded with charges that split up the march.

Camionette dei carabinieri e della polizia costrette a indietreggiare. La situazione in Piazza Duomo va fuori controllo https://t.co/WR4MaWZJLt

— Local Team (@localteamit) October 17, 2026

Clashes spread to the area outside Milan’s iconic Duomo Cathedral, where protesters hurled metal barriers and trash bins and set barricades made from cafe tables on fire.

Make sure to inform everyone you know that the migrant gangs and their Antifa allies are also rioting in Milan, Italy tonight Building are vandalized and fires are set in front of Milan Cathedral (the Duomo) https://t.co/0g8W1qZDsx

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 17, 2026

In the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, luxury stores lowered their shutters as staff and customers sheltered inside. Police charged into the arcade to disperse the groups.

Protesters kicked a police vehicle and pelted it with furniture and stones, forcing it to retreat. Tourists sheltered under porticoes amid broken glass, debris, and tear gas.

فوضى تامة خارج رمز المسيحية في ميلانو، الكاتدرائية. قنابل ورقية، ألعاب نارية، سيارات مدمرة، هجمات على الشرطة، إهانات وصراخ مباشرة أمام الدومو. لا إيطالي، حتى الأسوأ، يجرؤ على إشعال النيران وإطلاق الألعاب النارية ضد الدومو. إهانة لا يمكن تفسيرها أو نسيانها. @hishamezzalarab https://t.co/QVLt9M4Wqf

— zoom (@randa999000) October 17, 2026

Around 50 people were detained following unrest in Piazza Duomo, the square outside Milan’s cathedral, the nearby San Babila shopping district, and surrounding streets. Almost half were minors, according to Italian news agency ANSA. At least four officers and 20 protesters were reportedly injured.

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In Bologna, demonstrators marched from Piazza Minghetti through the city center. Clashes erupted near the railway station after a group broke away and threw stones, bottles, and barriers at police. Officers responded with water cannons and fired more than 400 tear gas canisters. The unrest prompted the precautionary closure of the railway station.

Four minors were arrested and seven people were reported to prosecutors, while 36 police officers were injured, according to ANSA.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused “thugs” of exploiting lawful demonstrations to sow chaos and “hold entire cities hostage.”

“Protesting is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not,” she wrote on X.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said “the reasons for the protests were understandable” but condemned the attacks on law enforcement and damage to the city.

The protests echoed unrest in neighboring France, where public sector workers demanding better pay have joined students protesting over deteriorating learning conditions