Italy sends 500 troops to Milan following cost of living riots

The Italian government announced on Tuesday that it will deploy 500 soldiers to Milan following violent weekend riots in the city. According to France 24 English and Guardian Europe, the unrest left more than 100 police officers injured, property burned, and central shopping districts looted. The deployment of military personnel will last through the end of the year. [1][2]

Guardian Europe reported that the demonstrations in Italy began as protests against the cost of living before turning into clashes with police and looting. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the protests had spilled over into Italy after gripping France in recent weeks, according to Euronews. Tajani stated that the government would respond with great firmness, as reported by Euronews and Guardian Europe. [2][3]

The new security measures introduced by the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni include granting judicial police powers to the military personnel sent to Milan, Euronews reported. France 24 English noted that a government decree will impose harsher penalties for violent protesters, establish a new offence of violent participation, and hold parents financially responsible for damage caused by minors. [1][2][3]

Euronews reported that proposed measures also include preventive detention and bans on public gatherings to maintain security in the city. According to Guardian Europe, further demonstrations are planned for Saturday. [2][3]