Cost-of-Living Protests Turn Violent in Milan and Other Italian Cities
Protests over rising living costs and deteriorating public services turned violent in Milan and several other Italian cities over the weekend of October 17–18, 2026, as clashes between protesters and police led to arrests, injuries, fires and widespread property damage.
The unrest began with demonstrations addressing rising costs and broader economic and social concerns. In Milan, the situation deteriorated after masked protesters broke away from the main demonstration and clashed with riot police near the city center.
Police used tear gas and water cannons as protesters threw stones and other objects, broke shop windows and set fires near Piazza del Duomo.
What We Know
Milan experienced the most serious violence. Several hundred hooded protesters moved through the area around Piazza del Duomo, where shops were vandalized and rubbish bins were set on fire.
The unrest also reached the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Milan’s best-known shopping areas. Underground stations in the city center were temporarily closed as police attempted to control the crowds.
At least 25 people were injured in Milan, including 10 police officers, according to local authorities cited in reports. None of those injured required the highest emergency classification.
Police detained approximately 50 people during Saturday’s unrest, with many of those detained reported to be minors. Authorities subsequently arrested 28 protesters following Saturday’s clashes across northern Italian cities.
The violence continued into Sunday, when more than 60 protesters were taken to police stations for further checks after another outbreak of unrest in Milan.
The disturbances were not limited to Milan. Clashes were also reported in Turin, Bologna, Brescia and Bergamo, where police confronted groups of masked protesters and made additional detentions.
In Turin, 12 people were stopped by police, including 10 minors. In Bologna, seven people were detained after protesters threw stones and other objects near the railway station and clashes broke out with officers.
What’s Next
The Italian government is facing increasing pressure as demonstrations over the cost of living continue to expose broader frustration over wages, housing and public services.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence while distinguishing between the right to demonstrate and attacks on police or property. She has called for a government meeting to discuss the escalating situation.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala also condemned the destruction while acknowledging that the economic concerns behind the demonstrations are legitimate.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the violence, including damage to businesses and public property and the actions of those detained during the clashes.
Further demonstrations remain possible as economic grievances continue to drive protests across Italy and other European countries.
