Clashes erupt in Milan as protesters rally against Meloni government

MILAN, ITALY - OCT. 17: Clashes broke out between protesters and police in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, Oct. 17, during demonstrations against rising living costs and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government.

Thousands of demonstrators, mostly young people, gathered in Piazza Duomo, carrying signs and chanting slogans against the high cost of living and calling for a better future.

Tensions escalated after police blocked the march near Via Broletto, leading to confrontations that spread across several streets in the city center.

Some protesters threw stones, smoke bombs, fireworks and trash bins, while police responded with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges.

Cars were set ablaze and shops were damaged during the unrest, which continued for hours.

Similar anti-government demonstrations took place in other Italian cities, with authorities taking security measures following incidents in Turin and Bologna.

Meloni condemned the violence, saying peaceful demonstrations were a democratic right but turning cities into battlefields was not.

Thousands of demonstrators, mostly young people, gathered in Piazza Duomo, carrying signs and chanting slogans against the high cost of living and calling for a better future.

Tensions escalated after police blocked the march near Via Broletto, leading to confrontations that spread across several streets in the city center.

Some protesters threw stones, smoke bombs, fireworks and trash bins, while police responded with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges.

Cars were set ablaze and shops were damaged during the unrest, which continued for hours.

Similar anti-government demonstrations took place in other Italian cities, with authorities taking security measures following incidents in Turin and Bologna.

Meloni condemned the violence, saying peaceful demonstrations were a democratic right but turning cities into battlefields was not.