Luxury stores close in Milan amid fears of renewed unrest

By Seyma Erkul Dayanc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Several luxury stores in Milan’s fashion district closed on Monday amid fears of further unrest following looting and vandalism over the weekend, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Stores including Chanel, Hermes and Pomellato lowered their shutters in the city’s Quadrilatero della Moda district, while police were deployed nearby as businesses remained on alert.

Some shops that remained open were monitoring developments and discussing precautions with other businesses.

The closures came amid concerns over possible further unrest after the weekend’s incidents.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with law enforcement officers, merchants and residents affected by vandalism and what he described as criminal attacks by groups of troublemakers.

“We also renew our solidarity today with the law enforcement forces, the merchants, and all the citizens who are suffering waves of vandalism and criminal attacks from groups of troublemakers,” Tajani said on US social media platform X.

“Today many shops in Milan remained with their shutters down,” he added.

Tajani said the government would respond firmly to attacks against the state, including through measures targeting violent minors.

“We are grateful to the law enforcement forces and all the military personnel engaged in protecting our cities, with the commitment to increase even further the resources to be deployed to ensure public order,” he said.

Meanwhile, the “October 17 Movement” announced plans for recurring demonstrations every Saturday at 3 pm local time (1300GMT) in several Italian squares, beginning in Milan.

The unrest followed demonstrations against rising living costs and poor public services, during which some protesters clashed with police and stores were looted.

Şeyma Erkul Dayanç