Italy, 17 October 2026

Ho grande rispetto per le migliaia di persone che oggi hanno manifestato pacificamente, anche partecipando alla mobilitazione indetta dalla CGIL che ha visto anche la partecipazione dei leader della sinistra. Qualunque siano le idee per le quali si manifesta, la partecipazione è alla base di qualunque sana democrazia. Dall’altro lato, però, non possiamo ignorare quanto accaduto in altre piazze italiane. A Milano, come mostrano queste immagini, lanci di pietre contro le Forze dell’Ordine, agenti feriti, danneggiamenti e violenze che hanno costretto a interrompere il corteo. A Torino sono state fermate persone con sanpietrini e martelletti frangivetro. A Bologna i disordini hanno portato alla chiusura precauzionale della stazione ferroviaria. Teppisti che sfruttano le manifestazioni per seminare il caos, aggredire chi garantisce la sicurezza e tenere in ostaggio intere città. Manifestare è un diritto. Mettere a ferro e fuoco le nostre città non lo è. Rinnovo la mia richiesta alle opposizioni: non siano ambigue su questo. Condannino senza ambiguità queste violenze e lancino un appello chiaro affinché ogni mobilitazione sia pacifica. Di fronte a scene del genere, il rifiuto deve essere unanime. Ogni reticenza diventa giustificazione. Il silenzio non è accettabile.

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) October 17, 2026

I have great respect for the thousands of people who today demonstrated peacefully, including those who took part in the mobilization called by the CGIL, which also saw the participation of left-wing leaders. Whatever the ideas for which one demonstrates, participation is the foundation of any healthy democracy.

On the other hand, however, we cannot ignore what happened in other Italian squares. In Milan, as these images show, stones were thrown at the Law Enforcement Forces, officers were injured, damage and violence occurred that forced the interruption of the procession. In Turin, people were stopped carrying cobblestones and window-breaking hammers. In Bologna, the disorders led to the precautionary closure of the railway station.

Thugs who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those who ensure security, and hold entire cities hostage.

Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.

I renew my request to the opposition: do not be ambiguous about this. Unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for every mobilization to be peaceful.

In the face of scenes like these, the rejection must be unanimous. Any hesitation becomes justification. Silence is not acceptable.

The camel’s nose is under the tent. https://t.co/VIQHoHGlsQ

— Spencer Pratt (@spencerpratt) October 17, 2026

BREAKING: Massive riots have now also broken out in Milan, Italy. https://t.co/UZ7BJg5Ldc

— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) October 17, 2026

Total chaos outside the symbol of Christianity in Milan, the Cathedral. Paper bombs, firecrackers, cars destroyed, attacks on police, insults and shouting right in front of the Duomo. No Italian, not even the worst, would dare to light fires and shoot fireworks against the Duomo. An insult that cannot be explained and forgotten.

— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) October 17, 2026

🚨Milan is a battlefield & tourists are hiding. Smoke bombs are being thrown at rooftop bars. Shops are locked down. A cost of living protest just became a riot in the heart of the city. Police are firing tear gas. Dozens have already been arrested. British tourists say they’ve never felt less safe and they’re rushing for the first flight home.

— Gauci Reports (@GauciReports) October 17, 2026

… they’ve never felt less safe and they’re rushing for the first flight home.