Italian police clash with protesters in Milan and Bologna

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Italian Police Clash With Protesters in Milan and Bologna

   Italian police clashed with protesters in Milan and Bologna during violent demonstrations over the cost of living. Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and riot gear to disperse crowds, clear luxury shopping arcades, and manage protesters surrounding Milan's Gothic cathedral. The unrest resulted in dozens of arrests, injuries to law enforcement officers, and property damage, including looted stores and set fires. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the violence and expressed backing for law enforcement, while student demonstrations and related protests also swept through cities like Turin.

   Why it matters

   The clashes mark a volatile escalation amid mounting economic pressures and student mobilization across Italy, which has braced for an autumn of discontent. Demonstrations have increasingly drawn mixed elements, including student groups and individuals brandishing Palestinian symbols alongside Israeli and US flags. Prime Minister Meloni denounced the participants as gangs of thugs, while public debate turned toward underlying issues of youth distress and societal violence.

   What is confirmed

   • Police in Milan and Bologna clashed with protesters demonstrating against the rising cost of living.
   • Law enforcement fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse crowds.
   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violent demonstrations and backed the police.
   • At least 40 people were arrested and two officers were hurt as the Milan protest turned violent.
   • Protesters in Milan threw stones, looted stores, set fires, and surrounded the historic Gothic cathedral.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Protesters burned Israeli and US flags during sweeping student demonstrations in Italy.
   • Police in Bologna used a water cannon and made seven arrests after their protest became violent, according to the ANSA news agency.

   What to watch next

   • Further statements or policy responses from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government regarding the autumn of discontent.
   • Official tallies of total arrests, property damage costs, and injured officers across Milan, Bologna, and Turin.
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. Ynetnews — Protesters burn Israeli, US flags as student demonstrations sweep Italy | Watch
   2. France 24 — Italy braces for 'autumn of discontent' as students protest
   3. Daily Gate City — Police use water cannons to disperse student protesters in Turin, Italy
   4. Reuters — Italian police clash with protesters in Milan and Bologna
   5. The Jerusalem Post — Meloni decries violent demonstrations as Italian police clash with protesters in Milan, Bologna
   6. WRAL — Rioters loot stores, set fires in central Milan during cost-of-living protest
   7. The Times of Israel — Rioters loot stores in Milan during cost-of-living protest featuring Palestinian symbols
   8. Yahoo — Milan ‘hooligans’ condemned as protests surround historic cathedral
   9. Yahoo — Violent cost-of-living protests erupt in Milan and Turin
   10. i24NEWS — Clashes across Italy: Two officers hurt, at least 40 arrested as cost-of-living protest turns violent in Milan
   11. Fox News — Meloni condemns ‘gangs of thugs’ after protests turned violent across Italy
   12. dw.com — Meloni backs police after cost-of-living protests turn violent in Italian cities
   confidence 95%