The Italian government intends to deploy the army in Milan to control security

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The Rome government intends to send 500 army personnel to Milan in the wake of the looting and clashes between police and protesters that the city witnessed over the weekend and prompted luxury brands to close their stores in the largest cities in northern Italy.

Various parts of Italy are witnessing large demonstrations in which school, high school and university students, farmers and truck drivers participate in protest against the high cost of living.

The Council of Ministers is likely to give the green light to deploy the army and grant the military temporary powers that allow them to support the security forces in the city during a meeting on Tuesday.

Violent confrontations with the police on Saturday and Sunday resulted in the arrest of hundreds and the injury of dozens of police officers. Several stores in the Italian fashion capital were looted.

New protests are expected next Saturday.

In addition, the government is considering additional measures to suppress the protests, including imposing restrictions on public gatherings, easing the conditions for the detention of minors, and imposing stricter penalties against their guardians.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the confrontations as "disgraceful," confirming on a local radio station that the Council of Ministers would announce a package of "immediate measures" that would include the deployment of army personnel.

For his part, Defense Minister Guido Crozetto, on Monday via the “X” platform, expressed his hope that the Council would approve measures that give the army the authority to act like police officers.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose right-wing and far-right coalition government faces new elections in 2027, described the vandals on Saturday as “thugs who exploit the demonstrations to spread chaos, attack those who ensure security, and hold entire cities hostage.”