Rioters clash with police in Milan during cost-of-living protest

Rioters clashed with police, looted stores, and set fires in central Milan on Saturday during a cost-of-living protest, forcing the evacuation of Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping arcade. The march against wars and rising living costs began peacefully, but masked protesters threw stones and objects at riot police, set fire to barricades, and damaged a carabinieri car. Police used water cannons and tear gas, injuring two officers and detaining about 50 demonstrators, including minors. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, while Milan's mayor Giuseppe Sala called the protest reasons understandable but violence unjustifiable. The unrest coincided with similar demonstrations in France against rising living costs and student grievances.