The Council of Ministers approved a decree-law on 20 October 2026 that increases the Strade Sicure contingent in Milan by 500 troops until 31 December 2026. The immediate trigger was a weekend of violence after a demonstration over the rising cost of living. Disorder and looting affected the area around Piazza Duomo and Via Torino, including central retail streets.
The measure, known as the Decreto Cortei, creates a new offence for violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000. It also establishes criminal and financial liability for property damage connected with protests. Masked participants and cases involving injury can draw enhanced punishment.
The package reportedly makes prosecution of offenders aged 14 and over easier, presuming that they understand their actions unless the contrary is shown. Parents may be held liable for damage caused by their minor children. It also includes restrictions on leaving home or gathering, reportedly extending preventive measures beyond a formal demonstration.
The government initially considered giving the additional troops broader judicial-police powers, including arrest authority. The 500 soldiers do not independently arrest people or manage violent demonstrations. Police and the Carabinieri remain responsible for demonstrations and arrests. The deployment is a visible deterrent and a reinforcement of existing patrols and protection of sensitive sites under Strade Sicure, which Italy already uses for urban security.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in office since 22 October 2022, presented the measures as necessary to restore order and protect Milan’s residents, retailers and visitors. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced the extra 500 soldiers and said they were needed to defend Milan. The decision not to give soldiers general arrest or crowd-control powers is described as an institutional compromise, and the policy is not uniform inside the government.
Italian decree-laws take effect immediately but must be converted by Parliament within 60 days or they lapse. If the decree was issued on or around 20 October 2026, that deadline falls by approximately 19 December 2026. Reported provisions on preventive detention, gathering restrictions and broader liability could be amended or rejected. How the new offence will be interpreted, including the threshold for a concrete danger and deferred arrest using video evidence, is not yet clear and may be tested in Parliament and in court.
Milan remains open to visitors and commercial activity. Retail districts, transport hubs, nightlife zones and public squares are expected to see additional patrols and temporary restrictions, especially around protest routes and high-footfall weekends. The extra contingent is authorised through 31 December 2026, and the reported deployment does not run into January 2027.