Italian police clash with protesters in Milan and Bologna
Police used tear gas and water cannon as at least 50 demonstrators were detained and shops were looted during the unrest, officials and media reported.
- On Saturday, Oct 17, 2026, clashes erupted in Milan's Duomo square as masked protesters threw stones at Italian Police, forcing officers to deploy tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
- The march against wars and rising living costs began peacefully, but later turned violent as rioters looted shops, set fires to barricades, and emptied the Piazza del Duomo.
- Police detained about 50 demonstrators, including many minors, while at least two officers were injured and the Duomo metro station was forced to close during the unrest.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, describing perpetrators as "hooligans who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos," while Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala termed the destruction unjustifiable.
- Mirroring events in France and Bologna, where police made seven arrests, the violence reflects broader European civil disobedience patterns driven by economic strain and rising costs.
232 Articles
232 Articles
Protesters end up throwing stones, bottles and firecrackers at the security forces.
Clashes across Italy: Two officers hurt, at least 40 arrested as cost-of-living protest turns violent in Milan
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, saying, “Demonstrating is a right. Turning our cities into battlegrounds is not.” The clashes echoed protests in France and other nearby countries
Protests against rising cost of living in Italy have turned into clashes between demonstrators and police in many cities. In Milan, at least 40 protesters and 2 police officers were reported injured, with security forces using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and called on the opposition to take action.
Saturday's protests were some of the most violent in Italy in recent years.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
