Sala backs military deployment in Milan ahead of protests

Milan Mayor Beppe Sala has endorsed the deployment of 500 paratroopers to the city ahead of Saturday's protests, stating the previous security measures were insufficient following last weekend's riots. He emphasized the need to respond to citizens' concerns. Sala called the military presence a temporary three-month measure, arguing there is no viable alternative for preventing further clashes and looting. He praised President Mattarella's role in ensuring a democratic security framework and distinguished peaceful student protests from violent unrest. The mayor attributed the riots to a widening economic gap and blocked social mobility, while criticizing social media's negative impact on youth. He lamented the lack of government dialogue with Italian mayors, contrasting this with France, and proposed a national plan for adolescence.