Meloni urges centre-left to denounce protest violence amid election push

Giorgia Meloni addressed the nation following a series of confrontations in Milan, Turin and Bologna, where stone-throwing and injuries to police were reported. While acknowledging the peaceful participants, she labeled a minority of agitators as “thugs” exploiting the rallies to create disorder. Meloni urged all opposition forces to abandon ambiguity and issue an unequivocal condemnation of the violence, framing it as essential for a healthy democracy.

Centre-left figures, including Elly Schlein, Matteo Mauri, Matteo Renzi and Ettore Licheri, each denounced the attacks but cautioned that the government’s response should not criminalise legitimate protest over cost-of-living issues. The exchange highlights the looming electoral campaign and the government's focus on security as a political lever.