Clashes erupt in Italian cities during protests, police vehicles damaged

Violent clashes broke out in central Milan after a demonstration ended in Cordusio Square. Groups of protesters gathered at Duomo Square and threw stones, barriers, cobblestones and firecrackers at police forces. Officers responded with tear gas and brief dispersal charges.

A Carabinieri car was wrecked and looted, while several armoured vans were damaged. Protesters also occupied the square and the equestrian monument area, erecting barricades.

“Hooligans who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those who guarantee security and hold entire cities hostage.”

In Turin, tensions flared during a demonstration against the high cost of living. People were stopped with cobblestones and glass-breaking hammers. In Bologna, unrest led to the precautionary closure of the railway station.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and called on opposition leaders to clearly denounce the incidents. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said the right to protest is sacred but so is citizens' right to security.

Authorities identified and stopped several young people during the disturbances. Broken glass, overturned construction materials and abandoned shoes remained on the streets.