After clashes injure officers and demonstrators, Meloni backs police as cost of living protests turn violent in Italian cities

Clashes in Milan and elsewhere

Violence erupted on Saturday during demonstrations over living costs. In Milan, masked youths threw fireworks and bottles at police and set up barricades in Piazza Duomo, ANSA reported.

Police withdrew while awaiting reinforcements, then used tear gas to clear the square. About 50 young people were arrested, roughly half of them minors, the agency said. Clashes were also reported in Turin, Bologna and Bergamo.

In Bologna, police used water cannon and arrested four people, all minors. Seven people were reported to prosecutors. At least four officers and 20 demonstrators were injured in Milan.

Meloni and Sala condemn violence

Meloni said some people had used the demonstrations to provoke confrontations and create disorder. She expressed solidarity with police and condemned the violence. “Demonstrating is a right, but setting our cities on fire is not,” Meloni said.

Union announces November strike

Thousands joined a demonstration in Rome organized by the Italian General Confederation of Labour, known as CGIL. Its leader, Maurizio Landini, announced a general strike for November 20.