Italian police arrest 28, including 12 minors, after cost-of-living protest clashes leave 141 law enforcement officers injured

Police arrested 28 people, including 12 minors, after violent clashes at cost-of-living demonstrations organized by the Italia in Piazza movement across several Italian cities. Police figures cited by Sky TG24 put the number of injured law enforcement officers at 141; 197 people were identified and taken to police stations, and 43 were referred to judicial authorities. The demonstrations targeted rising living costs, fuel prices and tax pressures.

In Milan, where police estimated the turnout at 5,000, groups threw stones, bottles, firecrackers and barriers at officers, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Shops in the city centre were damaged and looted, and a Carabinieri vehicle was destroyed. Retail association Confcommercio estimated damage to businesses at more than €500,000.

Clashes, arrests and property damage were also reported in Turin, Bologna, Bergamo and Brescia. Reported incidents included minors carrying Molotov cocktails and objects being thrown near railway stations.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with law enforcement and urged opposition parties to condemn the violence unequivocally, while recognizing that most protesters were peaceful. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said his League party would resubmit a proposal requiring organizers of risky demonstrations to provide financial guarantees.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore condemned the unrest and attacks on officers, while saying the protesters’ underlying concerns about living costs were understandable.