# Meloni backs police after cost-of-living protests turn violent in Italian cities

https://mins.news/en/item/105268

- DW, 2026-10-18 16:02 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/meloni-backs-police-after-cost-of-living-protests-turn-violent-in-italian-cities/a-79692755?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Anger over high prices and low wages fueled protests across Italy. Clashes in Milan left at least four police officers and 20 demonstrators injured, with about 50 young people arrested. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned those exploiting demonstrations to provoke confrontations and expressed solidarity with police. A major union has called a general strike for November 20.

## Related coverage

- [Italy rocked by violent cost-of-living protests; most arrested are minors](https://mins.news/en/video/106248) — France 24 English, 2026-10-19
- [More than 200 arrested as Milan cost-of-living clashes enter second day](https://mins.news/en/item/105746) — euronews, 2026-10-19
- [Over 150 detained during protests in Milan, newspaper reports](https://mins.news/en/item/105489) — TASS, 2026-10-18
- [Meloni condemns ‘gangs of thugs’ after protests turn violent across Italy](https://mins.news/en/item/105252) — Fox News, 2026-10-18
