Anger Over Inflation and Defence Budget Sparks Italy Street Violence

Public anger in Italy shows no signs of fading. On Saturday evening, several cities saw large protests against inflation, military expansion and higher defence spending, with demonstrators and police clashing in some areas.

Italian media reports say the rallies drew significant crowds across the country. Participants voiced concern over the rising cost of living and the government's plans to increase defence expenditure.

In Bologna, a confrontation took place between some protesters and police. Emergency medical services received 17 requests for assistance, and six people needed ambulance transport to hospital.

In the capital, Rome, the day began with an anti-war march setting off from Piazza della Repubblica. By evening, the situation in the city centre had turned confrontational. Police responded to the crowd with water cannons and tear gas.

Turin recorded clashes as well. Protesters there were primarily angered by the growing military budget and the surge in fuel prices. Some threw firecrackers and bottles at police, who used tear gas in response.

The latest unrest follows last weekend's demonstrations, which turned violent in places, particularly Milan, where looting was reported. Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi then ordered additional police personnel to be deployed across the country, with extra security in the large cities expected to host the biggest rallies.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in a social media message on Saturday evening. She argued that the safety of peaceful protesters and ordinary citizens must be ensured.

“Everyone must be guaranteed safety,” she said. “Those who want to protest peacefully, those who go to work, and those citizens who want to live in their cities without fear.”

Meloni added that there is no place for people who wish only to spread confrontation and violence.