Milan Mayor Backs Army Patrols, Sparking Left-Wing Criticism

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has endorsed the government's deployment of 500 Folgore paratroopers to patrol the city following recent urban violence, a decision that has sparked criticism from progressive factions and potential center-left mayoral candidates. Sala stated that control and repression of these phenomena are the priority during this critical phase, expressing concern about potential unrest this weekend. Critics, including Pierfrancesco Majorino and candidates Goisis, Pacini, and Cossutta, argue the military deployment is useless and risks suppressing dissent. Green party councilors Francesca Cucchiara and Tommaso Gorini called the army response to minors "absurd," questioning what the soldiers would concretely do beyond visual deterrence. The paratroopers will not have judicial police powers, as imposed by President Sergio Mattarella.