Italy Deploys Soldiers to Milan Amid Planned European Protests

Italy has sent an additional 500 soldiers to Milan, reinforcing an existing contingent, as the city prepares for further protests on Saturday. This deployment comes a week after looting and clashes with police occurred in the fashion and finance capital.

Premier Giorgia Meloni announced the security measures, which also include harsher penalties for minors, whom police identified as a significant portion of the violent protesters. The 500 soldiers will support approximately 5,000 police officers and other law enforcement personnel already on duty. Authorities are employing drone surveillance, monitoring railway stations, deploying rapid-response units, and conducting online monitoring for calls to violence. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has expressed concern about a recurrence of violence and supports the increased military presence.

Last weekend, rioters targeted stores in streets around Milan's central Duomo square, stealing items such as sneakers and athletic wear. Security measures on Saturday are intended to extend beyond the city center, anticipating that protesters might attempt to evade heavily policed areas by moving into other neighborhoods.

Valter Mazzetti, secretary general of the Fsp police union, commented that while soldiers can provide immediate reinforcement, they cannot address underlying police staffing shortages. He also noted that managing demonstrations requires specialized police training.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the deployed troops lack essential tools for public-order operations. He clarified that soldiers have only recently been authorized to use plastic restraint ties, and only in areas surrounding train stations, not throughout the city. They are not permitted to carry pepper spray or tasers.

Milan police reported that last week's disturbances involved around 2,000 young individuals, many of whom were described as second-generation Italians and foreign nationals. During the two days of unrest, 45 people were arrested, including 34 minors.

Lamberto Bertolé, Milan's welfare councilor, suggested that more investigation is needed to understand the motivations of the young people involved in the looting. He attributed part of the issue to a growing sense of exclusion and a lack of future prospects among young people, exacerbated by social and economic inequalities.

Security measures have also been heightened in Rome, where authorities have cordoned off luxury shopping streets and increased controls around Circus Maximus and Piazza del Popolo in anticipation of planned demonstrations, including one organized by right-wing students. An anti-war march is scheduled to begin in the afternoon, with concerns about potential infiltration by violent groups. Organizers of the march have urged participants to keep their faces uncovered and hands visible.

Beyond Rome and Milan, protests have been called in at least seven other Italian cities. The newly formed “October 17 Movement,” student federations, grassroots trade unions, and anti-war coalitions are reportedly driving these demonstrations.

In Albania's capital, Tirana, protests have continued for over a week. Demonstrators have thrown rocks, flares, firebombs, and fireworks at police, who have responded with batons, water cannons, and tear gas. Students are demanding lower tuition fees, increased state investment in education, and are protesting corruption within the education system. These actions are part of a broader anti-government movement calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In Spain, thousands of retirees marched in Madrid to protest potential changes to public pensions. The demonstration occurred ahead of next month's snap election, with the ruling Socialist Party criticizing the conservative opposition for suggesting pension privatization.

Spain has recently experienced widespread protests related to housing costs, with rising rents and home prices becoming unaffordable for many. A housing supply shortage, driven by tourism, immigration, and a proliferation of short-term rentals, has exacerbated the situation. The eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid apartment in September sparked significant street protests.

Lisbon is also seeing housing-related demonstrations, with protesters gathering to demand affordable housing. Protesters are specifically targeting recent government measures that include easing rent increase caps and facilitating tenant evictions. The government argues these measures aim to stabilize the rental market, while protesters contend they disadvantage tenants.