Clashes in Bologna as police face off with young protesters near central station

Clashes broke out in Bologna between young protesters and police outside the central station, with authorities using water cannons and tear gas amid stone-throwing by hooded youths. Seven people have been detained. The protest began in the afternoon at Piazza Minghetti against rising living costs, before a splinter group moved toward the station area, throwing smoke bombs, glass bottles, and barriers. Dozens of rental bikes were toppled, and unrest spread toward Via Indipendenza. Mayor Matteo Lepore condemned the violence as unjustifiable, urging peaceful protesters to isolate those using demonstrations as a pretext for destruction. The unrest occurred during a day of nationwide student mobilization, and the demonstration was reportedly unauthorized.