Meloni expresses solidarity with the police: ‘Citizens must be able to live in their cities without fear’
The Prime Minister: ‘We are with you.’ In her social media post, she notes that ‘once again, the men and women of the police force have had to face violence at the hands of criminals’
Key points
Following a Saturday of street clashes, the most high-profile of which took place in Milan, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a message of solidarity to the police via her social media channels: ‘Once again, the men and women of the police force have had to face violence from criminals who, including through organised groups, exploit demonstrations to provoke clashes and sow chaos. To all of them, I offer my full solidarity and sincere thanks.’
Safety protection
In her message, Meloni recalls how they were ‘there to protect the safety of citizens, workers, shopkeepers and all those who have the right to live in their city without fear and without seeing it laid to waste by gangs of hooligans. We stand with you’.
A call to the opposition to clear up any ambiguity
The Prime Minister had already commented immediately after Saturday afternoon’s street violence. ‘Protesting is a right, but ransacking our cities is not.’ That is why she addressed the opposition parties: ‘I reiterate my request to the opposition: do not be ambiguous on this. Any hesitation becomes an excuse.’
La Russa: solidarity with the police, citizens and shopkeepers
Senate President Ignazio La Russa has also expressed solidarity with the police and with those caught up in or harmed by the clashes: ‘In Milan, Turin and Bologna, we have witnessed yet another day of violence, with destruction, attacks on shops and assaults on the police. These are unacceptable incidents that deserve firm condemnation from everyone. Violence can never be a means of protest, nor can it be justified on any political or social grounds. I extend my full and wholehearted solidarity to the officers who have been injured, together with my gratitude for the work they carry out every day in the service of everyone’s safety. My sincere sympathy also goes out to the citizens, shopkeepers and all those who have suffered damage and disruption as a result of criminal behaviour that affects the entire community. Protesting is a fundamental right, but it must not become a pretext for attacking, destroying and endangering people’s safety. Public squares must be places where people can freely express their dissent, not scenes of violence, confrontation and intimidation.”
