Protesters run along a street strewn with debris during a protest over the state of public services and the rising cost of living in Milan, Italy, October 18, 2026.
Now, Italy’s government is preparing to send 500 additional army troops to the city following clashes between protesters and police, along with reports of looting and damage to shops. 28 protesters were arrested in connection with the disturbances in those cities, according to a police report released on Sunday. Italian police said they had detained 271 young people during Sunday’s unrest in Milan. Of those taken to police stations, 32 were arrested, including 23 minors. Police also reported 13 foreign nationals among those arrested, while a further 28 people were reported to judicial authorities. The planned deployment of 500 troops signals the government’s intention to step up security, particularly in areas where shops and public property have been targeted.
The move is expected to form part of a wider security package that the cabinet was due to discuss on Tuesday. Clashes were also reported in other northern Italian cities, including Bologna, Brescia, Bergamo and Turin. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that Meloni was weighing proposals to extend preventive detention for minors and take stronger action against youth gangs.
“From words to action: 500 more troops to defend Milan,” Salvini wrote on social media. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said the government would respond firmly to attacks on public institutions and property. Milan’s luxury shopping streets are used to crowds, tourists and shoppers lining up outside designer boutiques. But after a weekend of unrest, some stores are taking no chances. Shop windows have been covered, merchandise has been moved out of sight and several businesses have shut early. Milan’s Luxury Shopping District Takes Precautions The unrest has raised concerns across the city, including in Via Montenapoleone, one of Milan’s best-known luxury shopping streets. The area is home to high-end brands such as Chanel, Dior and Tiffany. By Monday, several stores had removed products from their display windows as a precaution. Police were patrolling the street, while businesses prepared for the possibility of further trouble. The damage wasn’t limited to luxury retailers. Television footage showed that sports stores Decathlon and Arc’teryx, along with Vodafone outlets, were among the businesses ransacked during the unrest. Other retailers, including Levi’s and Under Armour, covered their shop windows with cardboard or wooden panels. For shop owners, the immediate concern was preventing further damage while waiting to see how the situation developed. But the situation deteriorated over the weekend. Groups of protesters, many of them reportedly young people wearing hoods, set rubbish bins on fire, damaged property and looted shops in central Milan. The unrest wasn’t confined to Milan. The scenes have added to concerns about public order as frustration over the cost of living and public services spills onto the streets. He also pointed to possible measures aimed at tackling violence involving minors. The government is also considering whether to tighten measures targeting youth violence. Some of these measures could be brought forward from a security bill already being examined by parliament. France’s Unrest Adds to Europe’s Security Concerns The scenes in Milan come amid similar unrest in neighbouring France, where large demonstrations over living costs and public services turned violent in several cities. Saturday’s protests in France saw shops damaged, businesses looted and demonstrators clash with police. The unrest has put the spotlight on the challenges facing authorities as economic frustration fuels public anger. In Italy, the immediate focus is on restoring calm in Milan and protecting businesses from further damage.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced the planned deployment on Monday, saying the troops would help protect Milan. How the Protests Turned Violent The trouble began after an initially peaceful demonstration on Saturday over rising living costs and dissatisfaction with public services. Italy’s Government Considers Tougher Measures Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and met ministers and security officials on Monday to discuss the response.
For the retailers along Milan’s famous shopping streets, the hope is that the extra security will allow business to return to normal. For now, some are keeping their windows covered and their merchandise out of sight. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.