Tensions in Milan: 500 additional troops planned for the city

Protests in Milan over rising living costs and problems with public services have turned violent. Shops have been looted and demonstrators have clashed with police, prompting several luxury stores to close. The Italian government plans to send an additional 500 troops to Milan to strengthen security.

“Operativ Məlumat Mərkəzi-OMM” reports, citing foreign media, that Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Monday that more troops would be sent following the incidents in the city. The leader of the right-wing League party, which is part of the governing coalition, wrote on social media: “500 more troops to protect Milan.”

The decision is expected to be included in a package of security measures due to be discussed at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.

Stores of major brands close

Fearing further clashes, shops in central Milan have shortened their opening hours and strengthened security measures.

Some stores on Via Montenapoleone, a shopping street known for brands including Chanel, Dior and Tiffany, have removed expensive goods from their display windows. The windows of several businesses have been boarded up, and police patrols in the area have increased.

A similar scene has been reported at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the city’s best-known shopping destinations. Some stores have closed, while others have tightened security.

Protests accompanied by looting

Demonstrations that began on Saturday over the quality of public services and rising living costs were accompanied by violence over the weekend.

Hundreds of masked demonstrators reportedly set rubbish bins on fire in the city centre, attacked shops and looted some businesses. Television footage showed Decathlon, Arc'teryx and Vodafone among the stores damaged. Some Levi's and Under Armour shops covered their windows to protect them from possible attacks.

Italian government tightens security measures

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence. On Monday, she met with ministers and senior security officials to discuss the situation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the government would respond firmly to the incidents. Italian media reported that the government is considering expanding preventive measures involving minors and taking tougher action against criminal groups operating among young people.

Some provisions of a security bill under discussion in parliament may also be brought into force sooner.

People detained in Milan and Turin

According to information released by Italian police, 271 young people were taken to police stations during Sunday's incidents in Milan. Arrest warrants were reportedly issued for 32 of them, including 23 minors and 13 foreign nationals. Legal measures concerning a further 28 people were also