Italy’s government plans to deploy an additional 500 soldiers to Milan following two days of unrest in which protesters clashed with police, looted shops and damaged property, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has announced.
The deployment is expected to form part of a wider security package that the government is due to discuss today. Meanwhile, businesses in central Milan are closing earlier and boarding up shop windows amid fears of further violence in Italy’s financial capital, The Guardian reports.
“From words to action: 500 more soldiers to protect Milan,” Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega party, wrote on social media.
Luxury stores take precautions
Shops along Via Montenapoleone, Milan’s prestigious luxury shopping street, home to brands including Chanel, Tiffany and Dior, have removed goods from their window displays as a precaution.
Police officers have been patrolling the area as some tourists watch the situation unfold.
The developments have raised concerns about public safety, damage to businesses and the potential for further clashes as authorities prepare additional security measures.
