Following the outbreak of unrest, the looting of shops and violent clashes between protesters and police over rising prices, the Italian government is deploying 500 army soldiers in the city of Milan to control the situation.
Today, Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the Agence France-Presse news agency reported that the Italian government intends to send (500) army soldiers to Milan in the north of the country, following the violent clashes that occurred between police and protesters at the end of last week, prompting renowned companies and brands to close their shops in the city.
The report said that various Italian cities have witnessed widespread demonstrations by students, farmers and truck drivers against rising prices. It is also expected that today, Tuesday, at the Council of Ministers meeting, a decision to deploy the army will be approved and temporary authority will be granted to the soldiers so that they can assist the security forces in maintaining security.
The violent clashes on Saturday and Sunday last week led to the arrest of hundreds of people and the injury of dozens of police officers. Several shops in Milan, known as Italy's fashion capital, were also looted, and a new wave of protests is expected to take place next Saturday.
On the other hand, Matteo Salvini, Italy's deputy prime minister, said in an interview with a local radio station that the clashes were shameful and reiterated that the Council of Ministers would announce immediate measures, including the deployment of the army. Meanwhile, the government is considering stricter measures to restrict gatherings, ease the conditions for arresting minors, and impose harsher penalties on the guardians of those young people who participate in acts of violence.
