Milan: Thousands of people took to the streets in several European countries on Saturday, including France, Italy, Spain, Albania and Portugal, with some demonstrations turning violent. Police used tear gas, detained protesters and tightened security in several cities to prevent further unrest.
In Italy, large numbers of young people gathered in Milan, Rome and Turin. Police officers and military personnel were deployed in force following violent clashes and looting reported the previous week.
Demonstrations in Milan remained peaceful, while brief clashes broke out between protesters and police in Rome and Turin. In Milan, thousands of young people marched through the streets as soldiers maintained a security presence. Windows of luxury shops were covered with protective boards, although most stores had reopened by the afternoon, according to Italian media reports.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced several measures to strengthen security, including deploying an additional 500 soldiers to Milan and introducing tougher penalties for violent acts committed by minors.
Police said a significant number of those involved in the previous week’s violent demonstrations were under 18. Media reports said police in Milan also detained several minors as a preventive measure.
While demonstrations in France attracted considerable international attention, large protests also took place on Saturday in other European cities, including Madrid, Lisbon, Milan, Rome and Tirana. Reports of violence, arson and clashes with police in some locations prompted authorities to reinforce security arrangements.
