Weekend unrest disrupted Milan’s luxury district on Oct. 19, as Chanel, Hermès and Pomellato closed stores and merchants reported property damage and lost sales, ANSA reported.
Confcommercio Milano Secretary-General Marco Barbieri estimated business damage at about €1 million in an interview with ANSA. He said closures also reduced sales, while restaurants and hotels received cancellations. Reuters reported that police patrolled Via Montenapoleone as other retailers cleared merchandise from their window displays.
The closures followed two days of unrest around Piazza del Duomo. Reuters reported that demonstrations over rising costs and poor public services began peacefully before clashes and looting followed.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni chaired a public order meeting on Oct. 19. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on X that the government would respond firmly, including with measures addressing violence by minors.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced plans to send 500 additional troops to Milan. ANSA reported that the proposed deployment was part of a decree still awaiting Cabinet consideration.
Movimento 17 ottobre announced on social media that it would hold demonstrations every Saturday, beginning in Milan. Italy’s Cabinet is expected to consider a broader security package on Oct. 20, Reuters reported.
