Brief
Meloni condemns violent protests in Italy as police intervene in Milan
The prime minister posted on X, blaming organized groups for the unrest that saw water cannons used and stores looted in Milan.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used her X account on Sunday to denounce "gangs of thugs" exploiting demonstrations after violent protests erupted across Italy on Saturday, according to Fox News.
What happened
Demonstrations inspired by recent unrest in France and Spain took place in several Italian cities on October 17, 2026. The most visible clash occurred outside Milan’s historic Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, where police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd. The Associated Press, cited by Fox News, reported that 50 demonstrators, including minors, were detained and at least two police officers were injured.
Rioting spread to Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where looters smashed windows and damaged storefronts. Protesters also carried out acts of vandalism in other locations, though the report focuses on Milan as the epicenter of the violence.
What the reports add
Fox News notes that the Associated Press, via the LaPresse news agency, provided the detention and injury figures. The outlet also references a photo of Meloni at her annual press conference on Jan. 9, 2026, to illustrate her ongoing public presence, though the photo is not directly linked to the October protests.
What was said
Meloni wrote on X: "Once again, the women and men of the Law Enforcement Forces have had to face the violence of criminals who, even through organized groups, exploit demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos." She added that law‑enforcement officers were protecting citizens, workers and merchants from being "laid to waste and set ablaze by gangs of thugs," and concluded with "We stand with you." The post also called on the opposition to unequivocally condemn the violence and demand peaceful mobilisations.
How it came about
The protests were driven by rising cost‑of‑living concerns, low wages, high rents and perceived shortcomings in public services, as described in the article’s photo caption. Demonstrators were part of the Italia in Piazza movement, and the unrest echoed similar demonstrations in France and Spain earlier in the month.
Key facts
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the protests as being driven by organized thugs on X. (foxnews.com)
- Police used water cannons at Milan’s Piazza del Duomo and detained 50 demonstrators, including minors. (foxnews.com)
- At least two police officers were injured during the Milan clashes. (foxnews.com)
- Rioters looted and smashed windows in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. (foxnews.com)
Sources
- [1] foxnews.com — originally reported as “Meloni condemns ‘gangs of thugs’ after protests turned violent across Italy”
