Italian police detain 371 in protests as Meloni backs security forces

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended peaceful protest while prioritizing public safety as demonstrations against the rising cost of living swept Italy and Europe, with police detaining 371 people across eight cities on Saturday. Italian police arrested nine people and briefly detained 371 others, including 110 minors, during protests. Authorities deployed thousands of police and soldiers with drone surveillance in major cities amid fears of violence, while Meloni thanked law enforcement and cited new government measures to prevent disorder. Protests also occurred in Madrid, Lisbon, and Tirana over pensions, housing, and corruption, with violent clashes reported in France. In Spain, demonstrators demanded pension increases tied to inflation, while Portuguese protesters focused on affordable housing, reflecting widespread economic discontent across Europe.