Italian Police Quickly Disperse Rioters in Milan, Turin, Bologna, Bergamo

In Italy, protests against the high cost of living on October 17 escalated into riots, echoing unrest in neighboring France, but police dispersed the aggressive demonstrators more quickly. Dozens of people were arrested, many of them minors, according to ANSA. The protests, initially against living costs, fuel prices, and taxes, turned into clashes in Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo. In Milan, demonstrators forced police to retreat before occupying Piazza Duomo, throwing firecrackers and bottles. Riot police used water cannons and tear gas in Bologna, where teenagers threw smoke bombs and stones. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, urging the opposition to be unambiguous in their response. Milan's mayor called the destruction unjustified. At least four officers and 20 protesters were injured in Milan, with over 50 young people detained, half of them minors. Similar European protests over education funding and other issues are ongoing.