Security forces deploy as Milan braces for another day of protests

Protests against Giorgia Meloni’s government and the rising cost of living were called in eight Italian cities on Saturday, a week after clashes with police and looting in Milan. The newly formed October 17 Movement is driving the demonstrations alongside student federations, grassroots unions and antiwar coalitions. In response to last weekend’s violence, the government announced the deployment of 500 soldiers, while police conducted raids, including 150 in Lombardy on Saturday morning. The movement said many demonstrators intended to voice their dissent peacefully.