Lucrezia Ciotti Following last weekend's clashes and looting, Milan is tightening security measures in anticipation of potential new tensions. Meanwhile, Minister Piantedosi has addressed suspected ties to Russia , specifying that there is currently no concrete evidence, while investigations into the role of social media in organizing the violence continue.
Milan, 500 soldiers arrive after the clashes: greater freedom of movement and reinforced controls.
The 500 soldiers sent to Milan following last weekend's devastation and looting will be able to operate with greater flexibility across the territory. This was confirmed by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi at the end of a meeting at the Prefecture dedicated to public order, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and representatives of the police force.
" We have agreed that there will be more mobility on the territory than usual ," the Interior Minister explained. Regarding the idea of extending the military's powers, which was blocked by the Quirinale, Salvini stated: " We respect everyone's decisions ." The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized that the paratroopers arriving from Siena already know the tasks they will perform, adding that technological tools could also be used: " There are also tools like drones to provide an extra eye and greater attention ."
Meanwhile, concerns are growing about potential tensions on Saturday . Mayor Giuseppe Sala, at the end of the Security Committee meeting, spoke of the risk of further demonstrations, with the presence of individuals already involved in previous protests, as well as anarchist and opposition groups.
Clashes in Milan: Piantedosi rules out evidence of ties to Russia; investigations open.
The nature of the violent incidents is raising questions among investigators, intelligence agencies, and judicial authorities. Piantedosi has ruled out, at this time, any concrete evidence of any international connections: " There is still no evidence of ties with France or Russia ." The minister described what emerged from the initial analyses as an unprecedented phenomenon, calling it " absolutely new, unprecedented, extremely insidious, very fluid ," and lacking any discernible links to traditional opposing organizations.
The investigations are focusing, in particular, on the apparent contrast between the spontaneous participation of some young people and the effectiveness with which they were allegedly involved in the devastation. According to the minister, some of the youths questioned appeared even unaware of the scope of their actions, while the mobilization methods revealed a " fairly solid and significant " structure.
At the moment, however, " there is no clear and certain material evidence " of a mastermind behind the clashes. For this reason, investigators are investigating the possible role of digital platforms , from Telegram chats to videos posted on TikTok, with particular attention to recruitment and possible indoctrination through social media. Piantedosi also defended the actions of law enforcement, noting that the attacks on the shops took place in a matter of minutes and emphasizing the number of arrests made. " I am satisfied and have no objections to make to law enforcement ," he stated, finally reiterating that there are no disagreements with Sala: " We fully share the objectives we must implement and pursue to protect the city of Milan ."