Milan protests turn violent as riots erupt over prices and wages

Protests in Milan, Italy, escalated into severe riots on Saturday, with burning barricades, looting, and numerous injuries reported. Over 5,000 people had gathered for a peaceful demonstration against rising prices, low wages, and issues in education and healthcare. Violence erupted when masked youths threw stones and fireworks at police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. Stores including Nike and Louis Vuitton were looted. The rioters included many youths from Milan's suburbs, some with migrant backgrounds, though police say Italians were also involved. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, and the events drew parallels to recent unrest in France, raising questions about social exclusion and youth relations with state institutions.