Meloni Condemns Violence at Protests Across Italy, Urges Opposition to Take Clear Stand

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned violence during demonstrations in several Italian cities, calling on opposition parties to unequivocally denounce attacks on police officers and acts of vandalism.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, accompanied by video footage of clashes in Milan, Meloni said she respected the thousands of people who had taken part in peaceful demonstrations but warned that violence could not be justified under the right to protest.

“I have great respect for the thousands of people who demonstrated peacefully today, including those who joined the mobilisation organised by the CGIL, which was also attended by leaders of the left,” Meloni wrote, referring to Italy’s largest trade union confederation.

“Whatever the ideas being demonstrated for, participation is the foundation of any healthy democracy.”

However, the prime minister said incidents reported in several cities had raised serious concerns about public safety.

According to Meloni, protesters in Milan threw stones at police officers, leaving several injured and causing property damage. The violence eventually forced organisers to halt the march.

In Turin, authorities detained individuals carrying paving stones and emergency glass-breaking hammers, while disturbances in Bologna prompted the precautionary closure of the city’s railway station, she said.

“Thugs who exploit demonstrations to spread chaos, attack those responsible for ensuring security and hold entire cities hostage,” Meloni wrote.

“Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities on fire is not.”

The Italian leader also renewed her appeal to opposition parties, urging them to take an unequivocal position against violence and publicly call for peaceful demonstrations.

“I renew my request to the opposition: do not be ambiguous about this. Condemn this violence unequivocally and issue a clear appeal for every demonstration to remain peaceful,” she said.

“Faced with scenes like these, rejection must be unanimous. Any hesitation becomes justification. Silence is unacceptable.”

Meloni’s remarks come amid demonstrations across Italy, including protests involving trade unions, students and opposition political groups.

Her statement drew a distinction between peaceful political participation, which she described as a fundamental democratic right, and violent actions that threaten public safety and disrupt daily life.