Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan after riots

Italy's government will deploy 500 additional soldiers to Milan's city center following severe riots, a decision made Monday during a crisis meeting chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A formal decree is expected Tuesday. The violence erupted over the weekend after initially peaceful protests against high living costs and government legislation. More than 270 people were temporarily detained, mostly minors, with five juveniles placed in pre-trial detention. At least 14 security forces were injured, and damage estimates reach millions of euros. Italy's inflation rate stands at 4.2 percent, and comparisons are being drawn to unrest in France. The military deployment extends the existing "Strade sicure" mission running since 2008, with curfews in some city areas also under discussion. Meloni faces political pressure ahead of next year's parliamentary election.