Protests Against the High Cost of Living Turn into Guerrilla Warfare in Milan

Protests against the high cost of living on October 17, 2026 in Milan turned violent: the Piazza del Duomo was occupied by hundreds of hooded youths and the police reacted after projectiles and objects were thrown, according to ANSA.

What happened in Milan

The demonstration called against the high cost of living, the rise in gasoline prices, and the tax burden transformed into clashes on the afternoon and night of October 17, 2026 in Milan. According to ANSA, hundreds of youths dressed in black and hooded surrounded and occupied the Piazza del Duomo, blocking central city routes.

Witnesses and footage released by local media recorded the throwing of homemade bombs, construction fences (scaffolding), bottles, and firecrackers at the law enforcement. The police withdrew in some stretches due to the intensity of the attacks and the use of blunt objects and fireworks; there were dispersals and containment operations to retake control of the most critical areas, ANSA reports. Municipal authorities noted damage to street furniture and nearby shops.

Protests 2026: clashes also in Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo

Similar clashes occurred on the same day in other northern Italian cities. In Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo, groups of hooded youths attacked police with stones and fireworks, according to ANSA reports. The actions left peripheral gathering points and urban centers on alert, with reinforcements and orders to curb road blockages.

In some locations, damage to shop windows and public transport hubs was reported; reports of injured victims varied between official communications and press coverage at the close of the night. The movements occurred in a context of mobilizations for the rising cost of living that in 2026 gained the support of various collectives and social groups.

Political and institutional reactions

Institutional reactions were immediate and polarized. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the right to protest is legitimate, “but cities cannot be set on fire,” and called on the opposition to be clear about the goals of the mobilizations, according to ANSA. Antonio Tajani publicly criticized what he described as supposed left-center encouragement of confrontation, deeming the actions unacceptable.

Matteo Salvini posted criticisms on social media directed at the protesters. The Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, said the reasons for the protest were understandable — given the rise in the cost of living — but considered the violence against security forces and the damage to the city unacceptable. Municipal authorities announced they would monitor investigations to identify and hold involved parties accountable.

Impact and relevance for Brazilians and descendants

Episodes of urban violence in Italian cities directly affect perceptions of safety for tourists and foreign residents. For Brazilians planning to travel to Italy or with family in the country, the situation underscores the importance of monitoring local authorities’ advisories, consular service updates, and reliable news reporting.

Descendants of Italians interested in civil and social issues in Italy can follow developments in specialized news sections; Raízes Italianas publishes updates in Notícias da Itália and also addresses practical aspects affecting those living in the country in Vida na Itália. For those following Italian Citizenship processes, it is advisable to monitor local safety and mobility impacts—legal changes on this matter follow other institutional channels.

What to watch next

• Official communications from the Milan city government and police about arrests and injuries.
• Ongoing investigations to identify organizers and groups responsible for violent acts.
• Parliamentary reactions and possible additional security measures in large urban centers.

Conclusion

The protests of 17/10/2026 began as mobilizations against the rising cost of living but escalated into clashes that affected central Milan and other northern cities. The political impact is wide, and authorities continue investigating and tightening security in the most affected areas.

Source: ANSA