Italy deploys hundreds of soldiers in Milan as protests are called in eight cities

24 October 2026

Protests were called in eight Italian cities on Saturday, 24 October 2026, against the government of Giorgia Meloni and the rising cost of living. The Italian government deployed hundreds of soldiers in Milan, the country's fashion and finance capital, where luxury boutiques were boarded up. Around 50 people gathered spontaneously in Cordusio Square in Milan and headed towards the central Castle square chanting 'We are all antifascists', with small groups joining along the way. The protests came a week after clashes with police and looting during demonstrations in Milan. Italian police said nine people were arrested and 371 were briefly detained during protests in eight cities, and that 110 of those arrested or detained were minors. In Rome a small number of protesters tried to force their way into the Colosseum but were ushered out by guards.