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- Youth-led cost-of-living protests sweep Italy; demonstrators in Rome storm Colosseum area and clash with police
Thousands of people across Italy joined youth-led protests against the rising cost of living, also challenging the government's tough public-order measures. In Rome, marchers broke into the area around the Colosseum and scuffled with police, while marches were held in several other cities. Organisers said the action echoes a wave of youth protests in other European countries, and the interior authorities said storming the monument and violence would be dealt with according to law.
Oct 26, 2026 Afternoon - Follow-up: Italy passes security decree after Milan riots, adding 'violent participation in protests' offence
Japan Times, citing Reuters, reported that Italy's government on Oct 20 approved a package of security measures creating a new offence of 'violent participation in protests', toughening penalties for rioters and making parents financially liable when their children take part in vandalism and looting. The previous weekend, unrest swept several northern Italian cities; in financial hub Milan, mostly young groups smashed windows, looted shops and attacked police. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on social media when announcing the decree: 'There is nothing revolutionary about vandalism and theft — this is not protest, it is crime.'
Oct 21, 2026 Afternoon - Follow-up: Italy prepares to send 500 more troops to 'defend Milan'; luxury shops board up early
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Monday the cabinet would approve security measures deploying 500 more soldiers to 'defend Milan' after cost-of-living protests over the weekend turned into riots, with hundreds of masked youths — many reportedly minors — clashing with police and looting stores including Decathlon and Arc'teryx. On Via Monte Napoleone, Chanel, Tiffany, Dior and other shops cleared window displays and some closed early and boarded up windows as police stepped up patrols. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had already held an emergency security meeting and is considering expanding preventive detention of minors and other measures.
Oct 20, 2026 Afternoon - Follow-up: Milan cost-of-living protests turn violent for second day; over 150 detained
A cost-of-living march in central Milan on Oct 17 turned into clashes, with masked protesters throwing stones at riot police and burning barricades; police used water cannon and tear gas. Italian news agency LaPresse reported at least 2 officers injured and about 50 people detained, many of them minors, and looting resumed on Oct 18. TASS, citing Corriere della Sera, reported more than 150 people detained, about 80% of them minors; Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said protesting is a right 'but setting the city on fire is not'.
Oct 19, 2026 Morning