Politics · Italy · 8 hrs ago
Italy approves new security measures after violent protests
Italy’s government approved new security measures after violent protests in several cities.
The unrest began in Milan during a peaceful march over rising living costs and poor school conditions, then included looting and clashes with police.
The cabinet will send 500 troops to Milan until the end of the year to protect key sites and increase surveillance.
A new offence covers groups of more than five people using potentially harmful objects at demonstrations, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a €20,000 fine.
Parents may have to pay for damage caused by their children, and authorities may detain 14- to 18-year-olds deemed dangerous even if they have not committed a crime.
People who use social media or other online tools to organise violent demonstrations could face prison sentences of up to 12 years.
President Sergio Mattarella opposed giving soldiers extra policing powers, while a historian said the measures do not address the inequality and economic insecurity behind young people’s discontent.
Italy’s cabinet approved new security measures after violent protests in Milan and other cities over the weekend.
The measures include sending 500 troops to Milan until the end of the year and creating new offences related to violent demonstrations.
Some offences carry prison terms of up to five years, while using online tools to organise violent demonstrations can bring sentences of up to 12 years.
The decree also makes parents financially liable for damage caused by minors and allows administrative detention of some young people aged 14 to 18.
President Sergio Mattarella has urged careful analysis and said the state must protect peaceful demonstrations as well as public safety.
- Who
- Italy’s government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, approved the measures. The protests involved mainly young people.
- What
- The government approved new security measures, including 500 troops for Milan and penalties linked to violent demonstrations.
- When
- The cabinet approved the measures on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, according to the reports.
- Where
- The measures apply in Italy, with troops assigned to Milan. Protests and unrest were also reported in Bologna and Turin.
- Why
- The government said the measures respond to violent protests and vandalism. The demonstrations began over rising living costs and poor school conditions.
Italy’s government
President Sergio Mattarella
Approach to security
Italy’s government
The government approved tougher measures to curb violence and prevent disorder.
President Sergio Mattarella
Mattarella condemned violence but called for careful analysis and protection of peaceful demonstrations.
Legislating after unrest
Italy’s government
Meloni said she wanted to respond firmly and not leave vandals unpunished.
President Sergio Mattarella
Mattarella has urged the government to avoid legislating in the immediate wake of news events and to consider the causes of violence.
Unrest broke out in Milan during a rally over rising living costs and poor school conditions.
Groups looted shops, smashed windows and clashed with police, with riots also reported in Bologna and Turin.
The government discussed security measures, including a possible requirement for social platforms to provide information to help identify messages about violent incidents.
Italy’s cabinet approved a security decree.
- Troops for Milan
- 500, until the end of 2026
- New demonstration offence
- Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros
- Online organising of violent demonstrations
- Prison sentences of up to 12 years
- Parental liability
- Parents of minors may be held financially liable for damage caused by their children
- Administrative detention
- Applies to some young people aged 14 to 18 if evidence indicates they pose a danger
4 sources
Decreto Sicurezza, una soluzione contrastata che il governo però rivendica
Italien – Wegen Krawallen in Mailand: Meloni verschärft Strafrecht
What are Italy's new measures against violent protests?
Sicurezza, nel decreto l'obbligo per i social media di lanciare l'allarme per hashtag o passaparola. Il faro del Colle sulle nuove norme
What people are saying
There is nothing revolutionary about vandalising and stealing. Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality.
inacceptable
analisi intelligente e approfondita
Before tackling the effects, one should act on the causes, starting with growing social inequality.