Paratroopers to be deployed in Milan amid 'violent protests'... through year-end

[Financial News] Violent protests have spread as far as Italy, where anti-government demonstrations against high prices and other issues have been joined by a series of labor strikes in various places.
On the 21st (local time), Italian truck drivers were in their first week of protests against rising fuel prices, centered on Naples, according to local media including ANSA.
Diesel prices in Italy are currently about 30% higher than before the Middle East situation. A temporary diesel tax cut expired early this month.
Truck protesters completely blocked the loading and unloading of fresh food and other goods at supermarket distribution warehouses near Naples.
With some people also stockpiling goods, shelves at some supermarkets in the Naples area began to empty. Stocks of pasta, meat, agricultural products and other goods were also reportedly depleted in Sicily. Some producers of buffalo-milk mozzarella, a specialty of the south, halted production after failing to receive raw milk on time. The Associated Press reported that fuel shortages had also been observed at some gas stations.
Matteo Salvini, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, met with freight transport associations the previous day to discuss tax credits, support for freight rates and other measures.
Employees at Milan's La Scala, one of the world's five major opera houses, have also been on strike since the 12th, demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. The ongoing strike has caused disruption, with scheduled performances, including the opera 'Faust,' canceled.
Five hundred members of the Folgore Parachute Brigade will be deployed in Milan, where protests against high prices and other issues have degenerated into unrest involving violence and looting. They are expected to arrive on the ground within days and carry out their duties through the end of this year.
Milan's local administrative chief will consult with the police chief to decide what duties the airborne troops will undertake. Authorities are also reportedly considering deploying military personnel specializing in drone operations, in addition to the paratroopers.
A group called the 'October 17 Movement' announced on social media that it would continue protesting every Saturday until the 'thieving government' falls.
On the same day, about 5,000 students also protested in Athens, Greece, against the high cost of living and other issues. Doctors at state hospitals and some public servants also went on strike and began work stoppages in certain sectors.

[email protected] Lee Seok-woo, International Affairs Correspondent Reporter