Meloni condemns ‘gangs of thugs’ after protests turned violent across Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned violent anti-government demonstrations and rioting across major cities, backing law enforcement after clashes erupted in Milan, Bologna, and Turin. The nationwide rallies, centered on rising living costs and public services, turned destructive in central Milan where rioters looted stores, set fires, smashed windows, and clashed with police over multiple days of street unrest. Luxury brands including Chanel, Tiffany, and Dior removed merchandise from their windows as police detained individuals and made numerous arrests following the escalating chaos.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned gangs of thugs and hooligans following violent protests across Italy.
- ✓ Protests and clashes occurred in Milan, Bologna, and Turin over living costs.
- ✓ Rioting in central Milan involved stores being looted, windows smashed, fires set, and clashes with police.
- ✓ Luxury brands including Chanel, Tiffany and Dior removed merchandise from their windows in Milan.
What changed
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly condemned the violent riots and backed law enforcement following days of destructive protests in Milan and other cities.
Live updates
-
Meloni Condemns Gangs of Thugs After Violent Protests
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned violent anti-government demonstrations and rioting across major cities, backing law enforcement after clashes erupted in Milan, Bologna, and Turin. The nationwide rallies, centered on rising living costs and public services, turned destructive in central Milan where rioters looted stores, set fires, smashed windows, and clashed with police over multiple days of street unrest. Luxury brands including Chanel, Tiffany, and Dior removed merchandise from their windows as police detained individuals and made numerous arrests following the escalating chaos.
Why it matters
The widespread demonstrations reflect deep public anger over economic pressures and cost-of-living challenges across Italy. The violent turn in major urban centers prompted Prime Minister Meloni to hold an emergency meeting and demand that political leaders denounce the chaos. Police officers sustained injuries during the street battles, prompting strong backing for law enforcement from the government.
What is confirmed
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned gangs of thugs and hooligans following violent protests across Italy.
- Protests and clashes occurred in Milan, Bologna, and Turin over living costs.
- Rioting in central Milan involved stores being looted, windows smashed, fires set, and clashes with police.
- Luxury brands including Chanel, Tiffany and Dior removed merchandise from their windows in Milan.
Still unconfirmed
- The rioting in Milan was caused by a hybrid war against the West according to the Italian defence minister.
What to watch next
- Updates on the total number of arrests and injured officers from police authorities
- Decisions from Italian political leaders regarding the emergency security meetings
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (21)
- www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
- AP News — Rioters loot stores, set fires in central Milan during cost-of-living protest
- The Times of Israel — Rioters loot stores in Milan during cost-of-living protest featuring Palestinian symbols
- Fox News — Meloni condemns ‘gangs of thugs’ after protests turned violent across Italy
- dw.com — Meloni backs police after cost-of-living protests turn violent in Italian cities
- Reuters — Milan police clash with protesters on second day of unrest
- Yahoo — Second day of violent unrest in Milan as police detain 160
- The Times of India — Milan on edge: Protesters clash with cops, smash windows; videos show chaos
- Euronews.com — More than 200 arrested in second day of street clashes against cost of living in Milan
- The Times — Italy protests: Giorgia Meloni condemns ‘hooligans ravaging Milan’
- Le Monde.fr — Milan experiences second day of street clashes
- BBC — Meloni holds emergency meeting after violent clashes in Milan
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community