Italy sends troops, toughens security laws after Milan clashes

Italy has sent 500 troops to Milan following violent clashes sparked by fuel price protests, which are causing disruptions to pasta production and food deliveries in southern Italy. Luxury brands have closed their shops in the fashion capital in response to looting and riots over the weekend. The government approved a series of security measures, including making it easier to detain minors and introducing the crime of violent participation in demonstrations.

However, President Sergio Mattarella opposed the deployment of soldiers with policing powers. In Milan, nearly 200 police officers were injured and 330 people were detained, with half of the detainees being of foreign origin. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that destroying and stealing are crimes, not protests, and the government must respond firmly.

Pasta production has been severely affected, with some producers halting operations. The disruption has caused shortages of fresh produce in supermarkets across southern Italy. The government plans to allocate 480 million euros to address the fuel crisis, but some union representatives remain skeptical and claim blockades will continue until concrete measures are implemented.