Italy’s government said Monday it would send 500 army troops to Milan after two days of unrest in which demonstrators clashed with police, shops were looted and property was vandalized. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced the planned deployment, which was expected to be included in security measures for cabinet approval Tuesday.
The unrest followed protests Saturday in several Italian cities, some of which turned violent, according to Fox News. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said law enforcement officers had faced violence from criminals using organized groups to exploit demonstrations. In Milan, luxury retailers on Via Montenapoleone removed goods from displays and closed early Monday, the Independent reported. Deutsche Welle said anger over living costs and low wages had brought people into the streets, and that a major union had called a general strike for November 20.