Security measures have been increased in various European countries following demonstrations sparked by the cost of living, reactions to public services, and government policies. While nighttime curfews have been implemented in certain cities and regions in France, there are plans to send troops to Milan in Italy.
In Italy, the government has placed new security measures on its agenda after weekend protests in some cities turned into violence and looting. It has been stated that the government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is preparing to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan, where the incidents have intensified.
Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party, Matteo Salvini, announced that military personnel would be deployed to "defend Milan." It was reported that the measures to be taken in the city will be discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting expected to be held on Tuesday.
The demonstrations began on Saturday in Milan, Bologna, Brescia, Bergamo, and Turin in response to inadequate public services and rising living costs. On Sunday, incidents broke out in the center of Milan; it was reported that some protesters set fire to trash containers, damaged businesses, and looted shops.
Following the incidents, security measures were increased at luxury stores on Via Montenapoleone. It was noted that brands such as Chanel, Tiffany, and Dior removed their products from display windows, and some storefronts were covered with panels. Italian police announced that 271 young people were detained and 32 people were arrested during Sunday's clashes.
In France, nighttime curfews were implemented in certain areas of some cities following protests and looting. It was reported that restrictions, particularly targeting minors, were put into effect in areas around the Place de la République and Les Halles in Paris, as well as in city centers such as Lyon, Lille, and Nice.
According to information reflected in the French press, these measures provided partial calm on the streets. However, it was reported that villas in Marseille and some apartment buildings in Paris were broken into, some buildings sustained damage, and local residents experienced anxiety.
In Albania, the security agenda has also come to the fore due to anti-government student protests. It was alleged that water cannon vehicles (TOMA) brought from Turkey were used to intervene in the demonstrations. Turhan Çömez, Deputy Group Chairman of the IYI Party, claimed that the vehicles would be used to suppress the protests where the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama is being demanded.
Albania-based Exit News reported that a Turkish Air Force A400M military transport aircraft carried two TOMA vehicles to Tirana. One of the starting points of the protests, which began in May 2026 and are called the "Flamingo Movement," is cited as the luxury tourism investments planned by Jared Kushner on the southern coast of Albania.
News Source: 12punto
