The key facts

  • 500 troops will be sent to Milan to suppress riots — Corriere della Sera
  • The decree tightens accountability for minors and introduces criminal liability for violence at demonstrations
  • Protests against rising prices began in October; on October 19 rioters promised actions every Saturday 'until the government falls'

Troops for Milan and a new decree

Milan authorities welcomed the decision to send 500 troops to the city to suppress riots, Corriere della Sera reports. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto had advocated expanding the military's powers, but the measure as originally drafted was removed from the text of the decree after consultations with the president of the republic. In addition to military measures, the new decree tightens accountability for minors over riots and provides for criminal prosecution of violent acts during demonstrations.

Context of the protests

In October, mass protests against rising prices began in Italy following France, which escalated into riots with acts of vandalism and store looting. Authorities fear that similar actions may recur in the coming weekend. On October 19, participants in the riots promised to hold protest actions every Saturday 'until the government of the country falls.'

Assessments by the defense minister

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the protests in Milan and other cities of the country are the result of an allegedly unleashed 'hybrid war' against European countries. Earlier, as Gazeta.Ru notes, the former president of France criticized Macron's government over the protests.