Italy Sends 500 More Soldiers to Milan as Protests Spread Across Europe

Italy deployed 500 additional soldiers to Milan Saturday ahead of fresh protests, following last week's looting and clashes with police, as demonstrations were scheduled across multiple European cities. Premier Giorgia Meloni also announced tougher penalties for minors, who comprised a large portion of the violent protesters. The 500 troops supplement hundreds already stationed in Milan, supporting about 5,000 police with drone surveillance, railway checks, and online monitoring. Luxury stores like Omega, Tiffany, and Gucci boarded up windows, while officials extended security beyond the city center amid concerns protesters might relocate to evade heavily policed areas. Protests were also planned in Rome, Albania, Spain, and Portugal. In Madrid, thousands marched for pension protections ahead of a snap election, while Lisbon protesters demanded affordable housing. Albanian students joined broader anti-government demonstrations calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.