Italy's government is deploying 500 soldiers to Milan following days of protests over the cost of living that escalated into clashes with police, vandalism and looting, according to the Guardian. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration vowed a "firm response from the state" and announced new security measures in response.
The proposed measures include criminalizing violent participation in demonstrations, imposing tougher penalties for rioters, and establishing financial liability for parents whose children participate in vandalism and looting. Further demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday.
France also plans to deploy military forces, though the source excerpt does not provide details on scale or location. The Guardian notes that protests against the cost of living have spread across Europe, though it does not enumerate specific countries or movements beyond Italy and France in the supplied material.
The deployment represents an escalation in how European governments are responding to civil unrest tied to economic grievances. Italy's approach combines military presence on streets with legislative changes that would expand police powers and extend accountability beyond protesters themselves to family members.