A cost of living march in Milan ended in clashes, looting and about 50 detentions, while police in Bologna made seven arrests.
A Milan protest against war and rising prices turned violent on Saturday, October 17, 2026, when masked demonstrators clashed with police, looted shops and set fires in Piazza del Duomo, the Associated Press reported. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, and LaPresse said about 50 people were detained. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala both condemned the violence.
How the Milan Protest Turned Violent
Radio Lombardia reported that the group Italia in Piazza organised the march against the high cost of living and fuel prices. Il Giornale d’Italia said about 5,000 people joined, and groups totalling roughly 500 young people later broke away. The AP said the march began peacefully before masked protesters threw stones and paving blocks at riot police and set fire to barricades made from bar tables. The AP also noted images of a badly damaged carabinieri car. According to Arab News, shops pulled down their shutters, tourists fled and the Duomo metro station was closed.
Tear Gas and Water Cannons Near the Cathedral
Arab News reported that riot police tried to clear hooded protesters from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the luxury arcade beside Piazza del Duomo. The AP said officers used water cannons and tear gas on the crowds. Il Giornale d’Italia reported that shoes were taken from a Foot Locker store, while Adnkronos said a portable toilet was set alight in Piazza del Duomo. Radio Lombardia said police believe hundreds of young people organised themselves and arrived from the suburbs and other provinces.
Injuries and Detentions: What the Figures Show
Reports differ on casualties. LaPresse, cited by the AP, said at least two officers were hurt. ANSA, cited by Radio Lombardia, counted at least four injured officers and 20 injured protesters. MilanoToday reported 25 people in hospital, 10 of them from law enforcement, and none in a red code. Open reported that almost half of those taken to the police station were minors, and Radio Lombardia said a legal hub was set up to assist them.
Bologna Clashes and Unrest in Turin
Similar scenes unfolded elsewhere as Italian police faced more unrest. ANSA, cited by Arab News, said Bologna police used a water cannon and made seven arrests after a protest turned violent. Xinhua, citing Italian media, reported that Turin police detained 12 people, including 10 minors. For more on the wider unrest, read the latest Europe news on Tamrah News.
Giorgia Meloni and Giuseppe Sala Condemn the Violence
Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.” The AP reported that she blamed hooligans who exploit demonstrations to attack security forces. Arab News noted that she faces an election next year. Giuseppe Sala, Milan’s centre left mayor, said the reasons behind the protest were understandable, but the AP reported he called violence against police and serious damage to the city unjustifiable.
Why Are People Protesting Over the Cost of Living?
Reuters reporting carried by The News International said demonstrators are mainly angry about high living costs, low wages, rising fuel prices and wider economic pressure. The AP noted that the Italian unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in France, where police also used tear gas and water cannons.
Will Those Detained in Milan Face Charges?
Charges have not been confirmed. Business.it said the positions of those held were under review and that final figures for injuries, detentions and damage were not yet available.
FAQs
What happened during the Milan protest?
A cost of living march in Milan turned violent on October 17, 2026, with stones thrown, barricades burned and shops looted around Piazza del Duomo.
Why did the Milan protest begin?
Organisers marched against war, rising prices and high fuel costs. Reuters reporting also cited low wages.
How many people were arrested in Milan and Bologna?
About 50 people were detained in Milan, and almost half were minors. The Bologna clashes ended in seven arrests, and Turin police detained 12 people.
What did Giorgia Meloni and Giuseppe Sala say about the violence?
Giorgia Meloni said demonstrating is a right but setting cities ablaze is not. Giuseppe Sala said the reasons were understandable but the violence could not be justified.
Did Italian police use tear gas and water cannons?
Yes. The AP said police used both in Milan, and ANSA said Bologna police used a water cannon.