Italy sends 500 troops to Milan after looting and clashes

Italy will deploy 500 soldiers to Milan and impose tougher penalties after cost-of-living protests turned violent, with looting and clashes injuring nearly 200 police officers. The far-right government pledged a firm state response, including up to five years in prison for rioters. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approved measures holding parents financially liable for underage children's vandalism, with fines up to €20,000. Police detained 271 young people in Milan, and 330 arrests occurred nationwide, with Meloni noting half were of foreign origin. France imposed curfews in Paris, Bordeaux, Lille and Nice after weekend protests drew over 500,000 people, with unrest also spreading to Spain, Portugal and Albania over housing costs and strained public services.