Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence that erupted during Saturday's protests across Italy, describing the unrest as the work of organized groups seeking to sow chaos. The demonstrations, which turned violent in several major cities, prompted Meloni to defend law enforcement and call for a unified political response to the disorder.
The most visible clashes occurred outside Milan's historic Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo. According to the Associated Press, which cited the LaPresse news agency, 50 demonstrators, including minors, were detained and at least two police officers were injured. The crowd was dispersed using water cannons. Rioters also looted stores and smashed windows inside Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a renowned 19th-century arcade.
Meloni took to social media on Sunday to express her support for the Law Enforcement Forces. She stated that officers had to face the violence of criminals who exploited demonstrations to seek confrontation. "We stand with you," she wrote, adding that the forces were there to safeguard the safety of citizens, workers, and merchants who have the right to live without fear or seeing their cities set ablaze by "gangs of thugs."
The Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro, also known as CGIL, organized Saturday's demonstrations. This is Italy's oldest labor union, representing more than 5 million members, and it frequently maintains ties with left-wing political parties. While Meloni said she had great respect for those who protested peacefully, she noted that in Milan, stones were thrown at officers and damage forced the interruption of the procession. In Turin, authorities intercepted individuals carrying cobblestones and hammers intended for breaking windows. In Bologna, the disorder resulted in the precautionary closure of the railway station.
Meloni placed blame on the extreme left for the lawlessness, stating that thugs were holding cities hostage. She challenged her political opponents to unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for peaceful mobilization. "Any hesitation becomes justification. Silence is not acceptable," she posted.
Francesco Filini, an MP for Meloni's Fratelli d'It party and national program coordinator, echoed this sentiment. Quoted by Il Sole 24 news site, Filini said it is no longer tolerable that left-wing extremists take to the streets with organized destruction. He argued that the situation involves organized groups that plan violence rather than mere demonstrators.
Local officials also weighed in on the events. Milan's center-left mayor, Giuseppe Sala, told the Associated Press that while the reasons for the protests were understandable, the violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city could not be justified.
Reuters reported that some 56 police officers were injured in the protest in Bologna, citing the police union. The interior ministry stated that about 100 officers were hurt and around 30 arrests were made in Turin.