Italy deploys 500 paratroopers to Milan after violent weekend riots

Italy has deployed 500 Folgore paratroopers to Milan equipped with drones and armoured vehicles following violent riots over the weekend in which shops were looted and police were injured. The cabinet has also approved stricter security measures including new criminal penalties for violent protest participation and provisions to bar minors convicted of rioting from obtaining citizenship.

Quick Facts

Deployment of 500 paratroopers from Folgore Brigade to Milan
Violent clashes during cost-of-living protests in Milan, Paris, and other European cities
Cabinet approval of decree on security and juvenile crime
Introduction of new criminal offense for violent demonstration participation
Extension of preventive detention measures to minors

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has approved the deployment of 500 paratroopers from the Folgore Brigade to Milan through the end of 2026 following violent clashes over the weekend. The military personnel, equipped with drones and Lince armoured vehicles, will operate under the existing 'Safe Streets' (Strade Sicure) initiative and work alongside law enforcement to maintain public order. The soldiers will not be granted judicial police powers, following an objection from President Sergio Mattarella.

The deployment comes after protests over rising living costs descended into riots on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, where groups of youths smashed shop windows, looted stores, and clashed with police. According to reports, over 270 people were detained—80 percent of them minors—and approximately 14 police officers were injured. Retail damage was estimated at around one billion euros. Similar violence occurred in other European cities, including Paris, where 550,000 people protested nationwide and 997 police were injured.

On Tuesday, the Italian cabinet approved a broader decree on security and juvenile crime. The measures include introducing the criminal offense of "violent participation in a demonstration," punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to 20,000 euros. Enhanced penalties apply for offenders who cover their faces, injure others, or commit acts of destruction as part of a group. The decree also extends preventive detention measures to minors suspected of posing threats ahead of demonstrations and introduces provisions making parents financially liable for damage caused by their children.

Additional measures under consideration include halting citizenship applications for minors convicted of rioting, looting, or drug dealing, and revoking residence permits for adults convicted of crimes. The League party tabled an amendment to a citizenship bill targeting immigrant youths. Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini emphasized the deployment would enable rapid response capabilities through surveillance of public squares and train stations.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala cautioned that authorities' response cannot focus solely on repression, stating that politics must address root causes of unrest including economic hardship and social inequality. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto characterized the rioting as a result of "hybrid warfare" through social media and unconventional tools. Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein reaffirmed her party's condemnation of violence while noting the rioting should not suppress voices of peaceful protesters struggling with cost-of-living challenges.

Topics

Politics Business World

#public security #security measures #European unrest #cost-of-living protests #youth violence #Milan riots #military deployment #Italy #Meloni government #Folgore Brigade

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Why This Matters

Italy has deployed active-duty military to a civilian city under the Safe Streets initiative through 2026 in response to weekend rioting that detained 270 people (80% minors), injured 14 police, and caused approximately €1 billion in retail damage. The cabinet has simultaneously introduced new criminal offenses (up to 5 years imprisonment, €20,000 fines) for violent demonstration participation, preventive detention for minors, parental financial liability for property damage, and denial of citizenship for minors convicted of rioting—measures that will directly affect juvenile criminal procedures, immigration policy, and protest-related law enforcement across Italy. Similar unrest in Paris, Brussels, and other European cities suggests coordinated cost-of-living-driven social pressure across the continent.

Timeline & Sources

Oct 18, 2026

Wire

Anti-government protests by students held in various Italian cities on Friday

Oct 19, 2026

Wire

Violent clashes erupt in Milan during cost-of-living protests; over 270 people detained, 80% minors; 14 police injured. Similar violence in Paris (550,000 protesters, 997 police injured), Brussels, Portugal, and other European cities

Oct 21, 2026

Wire

Details of troop deployment announced: 500 Folgore paratroopers with drones, Lince vehicles; will not have judicial police powers per President Mattarella's objection; to operate through end of 2026

Oct 22, 2026

Wire

Deputy Premier Salvini confirms paratroopers will be equipped with Lince vehicles and drones for rapid response capability