Milan protests turn violent as living-cost rallies sweep Italy

Italian police deployed tear gas and water cannons during clashes in Milan and Bologna on Saturday, October 17, as nationwide demonstrations over living costs turned violent in parts of both cities, RT reported. Around 50 people were detained in Milan, while unrest near Bologna’s railway station prompted its precautionary closure.

The rallies were organised by Italia in Piazza, described in the report as a movement of students and young workers. Demonstrators challenged high fuel and energy bills, rising rents, low wages and worsening healthcare and education services. Military spending was also a target of the protests.

More than 5,000 people joined the Milan march. Participants called for public money to support families rather than war, while demonstrators in Genoa carried Palestinian flags and anti-war signs urging greater spending on schools and housing.

Clashes reach Milan’s cathedral square

The Milan demonstration was initially peaceful, according to the account, but clashes began when marchers reached police cordons in the city centre. Masked participants reportedly threw stones and improvised explosive devices at officers, who charged and broke up sections of the procession.

The unrest spread outside the Duomo Cathedral, where protesters were reported to have thrown metal barriers and rubbish bins and burned barricades assembled from café tables. A police vehicle retreated after being kicked and struck with furniture and stones.

Shops in the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade pulled down their shutters as employees and customers took shelter inside. Police entered the arcade to disperse groups, while tourists sought cover beneath porticoes amid debris, broken glass and tear gas.

Citing Italian news agency ANSA, the report said almost half of the roughly 50 people detained after unrest around Piazza Duomo, San Babila and adjoining streets were minors. At least four police officers and 20 protesters were reportedly injured.

Bologna station closed as police confront breakaway group

In Bologna, the march began at Piazza Minghetti and passed through the city centre. Clashes broke out near the railway station after a group separated from the demonstration and threw stones, bottles and barriers at police, according to the account.

Officers used water cannons and reportedly fired more than 400 tear gas canisters. The station was closed as a precaution. Figures attributed to ANSA put the number of injured police officers at 36; four minors were arrested and seven people were reported to prosecutors.

Meloni and Sala condemn violence

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused violent participants of taking advantage of legitimate demonstrations to create disorder. In a post on X, she distinguished the right to protest from attacks and fires in city streets.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala acknowledged the grievances behind the demonstrations but condemned attacks on police and damage to the city.

Social-media posts embedded in the coverage also alleged involvement by migrant gangs and anti-fascist allies. The reporting did not substantiate those identity claims, which should not be treated as established explanations for the violence.