Rome, Oct 20. (dpa/GNA) – The Italian military plans to send 500 more soldiers to Milan, Italy’s financial capital, following severe riots.
The decision was taken on Monday at a crisis meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with a corresponding decree set to be issued shortly.
The deployment of the additional troops is initially limited to three months, until January 2027. The additional military presence is intended to prevent further rioting in central Milan.
An Italian military mission dubbed “Strade sicure” (“Safe Streets”) has been operational since 2008. Soldiers support police in monitoring major conurbations and vulnerable buildings. This mission is now being scaled up in Milan. In addition, police are to be allowed to detain suspected rioters for longer periods in future.
Penalties are to be increased for offences committed by five or more people, with prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to €15,000 ($16,845).
Curfews are also being considered for certain parts of city centres.
Meloni had announced a tough approach in response to the riots in Milan and in several other cities.
The riots broke out in Milan at the weekend, after initially peaceful protests against high living costs and various government legislative plans.
At the central Piazza del Duomo and its surroundings, mostly young people dressed in black and wearing masks, smashed shop windows and looted shops and supermarkets.
More than 270 temporary arrests were made, mostly of minors. Five young people were taken into custody.
Inflation in Italy is currently 4.2%. Many are drawing comparisons with the unrest in France. According to officials, at least 14 security personnel were injured in Milan. There are no precise figures for the number of injured protesters.
Damages are estimated to run into the millions of euros. Elections due next yearMeloni has governed Italy for four years with a coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties.
A parliamentary election is due next year. Meloni and her party, Brothers of Italy, have come under pressure from a newer party further to the right, National Future.
In the centre-left camp, Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein plans to run against Meloni.
GNA