Italian Government Sends Troops to Milan Amid Unrest
In response to recent unrest in Milan, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration is deploying 500 soldiers to assist local law enforcement. This decision comes after violent riots erupted near the iconic Duomo Cathedral, leading to significant attacks on police and the looting of upscale stores in the city, which is renowned for its fashion district.
The deployment was approved on Monday by Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, as part of a wider initiative to manage the disorder that seems to have spread from protests in France. The local Corriere della Sera reported on this development.
Although the final green light from the Council of Ministers is expected on Tuesday, Crosetto has indicated that he supports the “increase in military personnel to support the police forces in Milan.”
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini characterized the deployment as a significant victory for his League party, exclaiming, “From words to deeds!”
The unrest in central Milan turned chaotic over the weekend, with many describing it as a “guerrilla war.” Young people, often from local migrant communities, clashed with police and engaged in looting during protests reportedly focused on rising living costs. Over 200 police officers sustained injuries during these exchanges.
On social media, some suggested that the Duomo Cathedral was intentionally targeted due to the background of the self-described ‘Gaza Generation’ participants in the protests.
In remarks made on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation, linking Italy’s turmoil to similar issues faced in France due to immigration. He remarked, “I told them all it was going to happen; it’s a very sad thing for me to watch…”
During the weekend’s unrest, authorities detained over 270 individuals, including a significant number of minors, with some facing potential prison sentences that could reach 15 years.
The rioters not only attacked police but also caused extensive damage to public property, with more than 280 street trash cans vandalized, including environmentally-friendly “smart bins.”
The AMSA waste management service dispatched 90 workers and 60 vehicles to clean up the debris and trash left in the wake of the events.
Due to ongoing concerns about further disturbances, several high-end fashion and jewelry stores, such as Chanel, Gucci, and Versace, chose to close early on Monday.
One passerby expressed their dismay, saying, “It feels like we’re at war.”
Salvini emphasized the need to restore order and prevent the rioters from reclaiming the Duomo square, insisting that even symbols matter in this context. He added, “As a Milanese, I’m disturbed: Milan is a welcoming and international city, and the images of Piazza Duomo on fire have gone around the world.”
Amid the turmoil, the far-left voices seem more sympathetic to the rioters, with some, including Ilaria Salis, a member of the Italian Left party in the European Parliament, raising concerns about the treatment of detained minors. She highlighted the need to respect their rights regardless of the situation.
If the defence decree receives approval on Tuesday, law enforcement will gain special powers, including detaining minors for more than 12 hours and imposing restrictions on gatherings viewed as threats to public order.
