Rioters loot stores, set fires in central Milan during cost-of-living protest

Rioters engaged in violent clashes with police, looting stores and setting fires in the heart of Milan on Saturday, leaving the bustling Piazza del Duomo and a high-end shopping arcade empty during what would typically be a bustling time for shoppers. The initially peaceful march against wars and increasing living expenses quickly turned turbulent as masked protesters hurled stones, paving blocks, and other objects at riot police, ultimately setting fire to barricades made from bar tables.

The aftermath was a scene of widespread destruction, with a damaged carabinieri vehicle on display. Police responded with water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Two police officers sustained injuries while around 50 demonstrators, including numerous minors, were taken into custody according to LaPresse news agency.

In a strongly worded social media post, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, stating that demonstrating is a right, but setting cities ablaze is not. She specifically referred to "hooligans who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those responsible for ensuring security, and hold entire cities hostage." Milan's center-left mayor, Giuseppe Sala, while acknowledging the understandable reasons behind the protests, firmly declared that violence against law enforcement and severe damage to the city were not justifiable.

The unrest occurred concurrently with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France, where residents were also protesting rising living costs and supporting high school students' concerns. French authorities employed tear gas and water cannons to manage the violent protesters who joined the rallies.