Milan Gripped by Second Day of Violent Protests Over Cost of Living
Milan faces a second day of unrest as protesters clash with police over rising living costs and poor public services. Authorities deploy tear gas.
POLICY WIRE — Milan, Italy — Violent demonstrations erupted in Milan for the second consecutive day on Sunday, October 18, 2026, as protesters clashed with law enforcement amid growing anger over the rising cost of living and inadequate public services.
The unrest follows similar disturbances that broke out across various Italian cities the previous day. On Sunday, the situation escalated as hundreds of hooded demonstrators engaged in property destruction, including the looting of shops and the shattering of storefront windows near the city center.
In response to the chaos, police officers equipped with riot gear deployed tear gas and utilized water cannons to disperse the crowds. Protesters were observed throwing stones at authorities and setting fire to waste bins in the vicinity of the Piazza Duomo.
The demonstrations, which involved groups identified as Italia in Piazza, highlight deepening public frustration regarding economic conditions. Authorities remain on high alert as the city attempts to restore order following the weekend of intense confrontations.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
