Violent Cost‑of‑Living Protest Erupts in Central Milan on Oct. 17

Violent unrest in central Milan

On Saturday, October 17, masked protesters clashed with riot police, looted shops and set fires during a demonstration against wars and the rising cost of living in central Milan, Italy.

The violence left Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping gallery largely deserted. Protesters threw stones and paving blocks at officers and set fire to barricades made from café tables, while police responded with water cannons and tear gas.

At least two police officers were injured.

Police detained at least 160 people, around 80 per cent of them minors, according to Reuters. LaPresse reported that around 50 protesters, many of them minors, were detained.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, stressing that peaceful protest is a right but setting cities on fire is not.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said the protesters’ concerns were understandable but that attacks on law enforcement and damage to the city were unjustifiable.

The unrest coincided with demonstrations in neighboring France over the cost of living and student grievances.