Milan Braces for Fresh Protests as Troops Deployed

MILAN (AP) – Soldiers have been sent to Milan as the city prepares for anticipated protests on Saturday, following a week marked by looting and clashes with police.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the deployment of an additional 500 troops, complementing the hundreds already stationed there. This move also comes alongside stricter penalties for minors, who have been identified as a significant portion of the violent demonstrators, according to law enforcement.

While France has been in the spotlight for protests, Milan isn’t alone; various cities across Europe, from Portugal to Albania, have demonstrations lined up for Saturday as well.

The new soldiers will join about 5,000 police and other security personnel already in place. Authorities are taking extensive precautions, employing drone surveillance, conducting checks at train stations, and monitoring online activities for threats of violence. Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala has expressed concern over the potential for renewed violence and has supported the increased military presence.

Last weekend, rioters vandalized stores and made off with sneakers and sports apparel from areas adjacent to the central Duomo square.

Security strategies will be enhanced beyond just the city center, as officials worry that protesters may try to slip into less heavily monitored neighborhoods. Valter Mazzetti, general secretary of the Fsp police union, acknowledged that while troops can provide crucial reinforcements, they cannot address the existing shortages in police staffing, pointing out that handling protests requires specialized training.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto noted on social media that the troops are not fully equipped for public-order operations, mentioning they only recently received permission to use plastic restraining devices at train stations but not citywide. Moreover, they cannot carry pepper spray or tasers.

According to police, last week’s unrest involved around 2,000 young protesters, many of whom were “naturalized, second-generation Italians,” alongside some foreign nationals. Over the course of two days, law enforcement arrested 45 individuals, a majority of whom were minors.

Milan’s welfare councilor, Lamberto Bertolé, commented that a deeper examination is needed to grasp the reasons behind the involvement of these young individuals in the looting. He expressed a concern that many youths feel disconnected and lack future prospects, attributing part of the societal frustration to ongoing social and economic inequalities.

Security operations in Rome have also been intensified, with luxury shopping districts under lockdown and increased surveillance near popular landmarks ahead of planned protests, including one involving right-wing students. An anti-war rally is set to commence in the afternoon at Piazza della Repubblica, and there are worries about possible infiltration by extremist groups.

Organizers have urged participants to remain visible to help demarcate peaceful protesters from potential troublemakers.

Beyond Milan and Rome, protests are scheduled in at least seven other cities. The “October 17 Movement,” together with student groups, grassroots unions, and anti-war activists, is driving these demonstrations.

In Albania’s capital, protests have escalated into violent confrontations over the past week, with protesters clashing with police by throwing rocks and other projectiles. High school and university students are voicing demands for lower tuition fees and increased government spending on education while rallying against corruption in the education system as part of a broader anti-government sentiment targeting Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Meanwhile, in Spain, retirees and others plan to demonstrate in the capital, advocating for the protection of public pensions, particularly as the country approaches a snap election. Concerns have arisen over privatization efforts floated by the opposition, leading to increased public unrest around the issue of housing affordability. A notable incident involved the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her apartment in Madrid, sparking significant protests nationwide.

In Lisbon, protesters are expected to march for affordable housing, specifically targeting recent government measures that they believe disadvantage tenants. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro defends these initiatives as necessary for fostering better relationships between tenants and landlords.