Italian police arrest 271 in Milan over economic protests

Italian police in Milan arrested 271 people after dispersing protesters with tear gas and water cannons on the second day of nationwide demonstrations over rising prices and declining public services. The protests, held on Sunday, were marked by clashes between police and demonstrators, as well as the looting of several shops and damage to public property.

Some masked protesters set rubbish bins on fire, and several stores, including a mobile phone shop and a sports goods store, were looted. Police said that of those detained, 32 remained in police custody on Monday, including 23 minors and 13 foreign nationals. Another 28 cases were referred to judicial authorities.

Similar protests were also held on Saturday in other northern Italian cities, including Bologna, Brescia, Bergamo and Turin, leading to the arrest of 28 people. Meanwhile, widespread protests are also under way in France, with both countries calling for accountability over rising living costs and the decline in public services.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is facing elections next year, condemned the violence and said the government would hold a special meeting on Monday to discuss ways to tackle the crisis.