Italy Deploys 500 Soldiers to Milan as Protests Spread Across Europe

Italy deployed 500 additional soldiers to Milan on Saturday ahead of fresh protests, following last week's riots and looting that involved about 2,000 young demonstrators and resulted in 45 arrests, including 34 minors. The troops supplement roughly 5,000 police, with authorities using drones, railway checks, and online monitoring. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto noted soldiers lack key public-order tools like pepper spray and tasers, while police unions say troops don't resolve specialized staffing shortages. Similar demonstrations are planned across Europe, including in Rome, Tirana, Madrid, and Lisbon, driven by issues ranging from anti-war sentiment and education costs to housing affordability and pension concerns.