Meloni backs police after cost-of-living protests turn violent in Italian cities

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday condemned rioting during cost-of-living protests, expressing solidarity with police after clashes in several cities.

The violence broke out during cost-of-living demonstrations on Saturday, leaving at least four police officers and 20 demonstrators injured in Milan.

The unrest comes amid anger over high prices, stagnant real wages and a shortage of affordable housing in major cities.

What happened during the protests?

In Milan, black-clad, masked youths threw fireworks and bottles at police and erected barricades in the central Piazza Duomo, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Police initially withdrew to await reinforcements and later used tear gas to clear the square. Some 50 young people were arrested, about half of them minors, according to ANSA.

Clashes also broke out in Turin, Bologna and Bergamo. Police in Bologna used water cannon and made four arrests, all minors, with seven people reported to prosecutors.

How did Italy's PM Meloni respond?

Meloni expressed solidarity with police on Sunday, condemning criminals who she said exploited demonstrations to provoke confrontations and "sow chaos."

"Demonstrating is a right, but setting our cities on fire is not," she said.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala also condemned the violence while acknowledging the grievances behind the demonstrations.

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

Why were people demonstrating?

Protesters rallied against high living costs and low wages, with households facing expensive fuel and difficulty finding affordable housing.

In Rome, thousands joined a demonstration organized by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL). Its leader, Maurizio Landini, announced a general strike for November 20.

The violence came as similar demonstrations in France descended into rioting, arson and looting, with more than 1,800 people arrested nationwide.