At least 24 injured in Italy cost-of-living protests as clashes erupt

At least 24 people were injured during cost-of-living protests in Italy, including four police officers and 20 demonstrators in Milan, after clashes broke out between protesters and police in several cities on Saturday.

The demonstrations were held amid public concerns over rising living costs, stagnant real wages and a shortage of affordable housing. While thousands gathered peacefully in Rome, protests in Milan, Turin, Bologna and Bergamo were marred by violence.

In Milan, masked youths dressed in black threw fireworks and bottles at police and erected barricades in Piazza Duomo. Police initially withdrew while waiting for reinforcements before returning and using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Around 50 young people were arrested in Milan, approximately half of them minors, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

Clashes reported in several cities

Violence was also reported in Turin, Bologna and Bergamo as demonstrations took place across the country.

In Bologna, police deployed water cannon to disperse protesters. Four people, all minors, were arrested, while seven people were reported to prosecutors, ANSA reported.

The incidents prompted Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to condemn the violence and express solidarity with police officers who faced attacks during the demonstrations.

“Demonstrating is a right, but setting our cities on fire is not,” Meloni said.

She also criticised those who failed to condemn the violence, saying that silence or reluctance to speak out could be interpreted as justification for the acts.

Thousands rally in Rome as union announces general strike

In Rome, thousands of people joined a separate demonstration organised by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), which called for action over economic pressures affecting workers.

CGIL leader Maurizio Landini announced a general strike for 20 November, according to ANSA.

The protests reflect concerns over household purchasing power, wages that have failed to keep pace with rising costs and difficulties accessing affordable housing.

Milan mayor condemns violence

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala acknowledged the reasons behind the demonstrations but rejected the violence and damage reported in the city.

“The reasons for the protest were understandable. The violence against police and the serious damage to the city, however, cannot be justified,” he said.

The incidents have placed the focus on the contrast between demonstrators’ economic grievances and the violence that accompanied some of the rallies.