Milan braces for more unrest as debate intensifies over Italy’s ‘lost generation’
Milan is experiencing civil unrest as youth protesters clash with police over rising living costs and housing affordability. These protests reflect a broader European trend of economic discontent among younger generations.
Why it matters
The unrest highlights the growing social divide and economic frustration among European youth, posing a challenge to current government stability.
A fire burns following clashes between police and protesters in front of Milan’s cathedral on Saturday. Photograph: Stefano Porta/LaPresse/AP A fire burns following clashes between police and protesters in front of Milan’s cathedral on Saturday. Photograph: Stefano Porta/LaPresse/AP Italy Milan braces for more unrest as debate intensifies over Italy’s ‘lost generation’ Protests and fringe violence expose sharp divide between marginalised and immigrant youth and those with greater prospects
Angela Giuffrida in Milan Fri 23 Oct 2026 06.00 BST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google M artina Miccichè was filming riot police kicking and beating a teenager with batons as they dragged him along Piazza del Duomo, the central Milan square hosting its cathedral, when she was struck by a flying object, causing a deep gash and bruising near her right eye.
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