Luxury Shops Across Europe Close Amid Fears Of Further Unrest

Luxury shopping streets in Milan have been left unusually quiet as major fashion brands close their doors over fears of further violent protests.

Stores including Chanel, Hermès and Pomellato temporarily shut on Monday, while other retailers along the famous Via Montenapoleone removed expensive merchandise from their windows and increased security.

The closures followed a weekend of unrest in Italy's financial and fashion capital, where demonstrations over the rising cost of living and declining public services escalated into clashes with police, looting and vandalism.

Several shops were targeted, including Decathlon, Vodafone and Arc’teryx, while rubbish bins were set on fire and shop windows smashed.

Italian police detained 271 people during Sunday's unrest, with 32 initially arrested. By Tuesday, Italian news agency ANSA reported that the number of arrests following the weekend's violence had reached at least 50.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and chaired an emergency meeting with ministers and security officials to discuss the government's response.

The Italian government also announced plans to deploy an additional 500 army troops to Milan to help restore order.

However, Italy is not the only European country experiencing unrest.

In neighbouring France, more than 550,000 people reportedly took to the streets on Saturday over rising living costs and concerns about public services, with some demonstrations escalating into violence.

Belgium, Spain and Portugal have also witnessed separate protests linked to economic pressures, housing affordability and public dissatisfaction.

While many demonstrations have remained peaceful, incidents of violence and property damage have prompted increased security measures across several European cities.

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