Protests in Milan as coalition tensions rise over 500 Folgore paratroopers deployment

Protests are expected in Milan this Saturday following recent unrest, with 500 paratroopers from the Folgore Brigade deployed to reinforce local security forces under the "Strade Sicure" operation. The deployment has sparked tension within Italy's governing coalition. The soldiers will not have judicial police powers as they are not public security agents, though they can conduct patrols. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed disappointment, stating he would have preferred the units to have the necessary tools to handle the situation. The debate highlights broader staffing shortages in Italian law enforcement, with police numbers down over 2,400 and carabinieri down 685 since 2022. A parliamentary resolution aims to expand the military contingent to 10,000 troops.