Protests Erupt Across Europe as Soldiers Secure Milan’s City Center

MILAN — Thousands of demonstrators marched through Italian cities Saturday, including Milan, Rome, and Turin, as authorities deployed significant security measures to prevent the violent clashes and looting that disrupted similar protests the previous week. While demonstrations in Milan remained largely peaceful, brief confrontations occurred in Rome and Turin.

In Milan, security forces positioned soldiers and boarded up luxury boutiques, though most shops reopened by late afternoon. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced additional deployments, including 500 reinforcements and stricter penalties for minors, who police identified as a primary source of last week’s unrest. Preventive detentions of minors were reported in Milan.

Protests spanned multiple European cities, from Milan to Madrid and Lisbon, addressing issues ranging from education and corruption to anti-war movements, pensions, and housing. In Milan, crowds of young people gathered after dark, chanting anti-government slogans and displaying banners like “No to lies of the state.” Some engaged in symbolic acts, such as dumping manure outside a government energy regulator and burning an oversized electricity bill.

Security operations involved 5,000 personnel, including 500 soldiers added to existing forces. Authorities utilized drone surveillance, railway station checks, rapid-response units, and online monitoring to preempt violence. The soldiers are authorized to use non-lethal restraints only in specific areas near train stations, without pepper spray or tasers.

Mayor Giuseppe Sala, not seeking re-election, and mayoral candidate Pierfrancesco Majorino joined the peaceful Milan march, which concluded over 3 kilometers from the city center. Meanwhile, a far-right group briefly appeared with anti-immigrant chants but was isolated by police.

Luxury stores in Milan’s fashion district, including Omega, Tiffany, and Gucci, had boarded windows, while the Apple Store remained closed despite others reopening. Previous weekend riots targeted sneakers and athletic wear near the Duomo square.

In Rome, security included lockdown zones around luxury shopping areas and checks near the Circus Maximus. A small number attempted to breach the Colosseum but were removed by guards. Student groups emphasized their peaceful participation, distinct from last week’s violence.

In Tirana, Albanian authorities deployed 2,500 officers amid protests that included fires at government buildings and clashes with police. Students demanded reduced tuition and opposed Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, which pledged dialogue with peaceful protesters and warned of penalties for aggressors.

Simultaneously, retirees in Madrid demonstrated peacefully against pension reforms, with 68-year-old Maria José Benito stating, “They threaten us with privatizing pensions—it’s just another way for them to profit.” Political tensions in Spain intensified ahead of snap elections.

In Lisbon, crowds gathered to oppose government measures easing rental caps and expedited evictions. Officials defended the policies as fostering landlord-tenant trust, while protesters argued they increased tenant vulnerability. Demonstrators in Madrid and Lisbon echoed broader concerns about housing affordability and public sector policies.

Associated Press contributed reporting from Athens, London, Madrid, Rome, Milan, and Lisbon.

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