In Milan, security issues are dividing the centre-left and causing difficulties for Sala

Trying to please everyone risks upsetting many, if not all. It is an old rule, and Beppe Sala learnt it the hard way this afternoon when he spoke at Palazzo Marino to address the unrest that broke out over the weekend of 17 and 18 October: whilst – as was to be expected – harsh criticism came from the centre-right, there was little support from the other side, and no shortage of barbed remarks. And to think that the Mayor of Milan delivered a balanced, clear speech in which he explained that the 160, and later 130, municipal police officers deployed over the weekend were assigned to traffic duties; only 30 escorted those arrested to the police station. In short, the local council lacks the resources, and even the state does not have sufficient police forces to withstand the impact of a protest orchestrated via social media, which took the form of impromptu actions that were not easy to counter. The deployment of the army – a measure approved by the Quirinale, as Sala was keen to point out – represents a temporary, non-structural intervention made necessary by the lack of alternatives. It was not a decision taken lightly, given the awareness that there are “different sensibilities” within the majority, but the need to prevent further devastation of the city centre prompted the mayor to give the go-ahead to the military. And events ultimately proved him right, as last weekend passed peacefully, with the demonstrations taking place without incident. To bridge the gap with the more distant wing of the centre-left, he reiterated that repression alone is not enough: “We need social policies, educational initiatives, community services and concrete opportunities, especially for young people.”  

The outcome of this moderation exercise was poor. The chants from the opposition and the public – “those who cause trouble pay the price” – were followed by an argument along these lines: the young people smashing shop windows are the result of flawed and inadequate policies that have neglected the suburbs and the most vulnerable sections of the youth population. The debate with the centre-left proved more difficult, as they, in no uncertain terms, took a dim view of the presence of soldiers in the streets around the Duomo. Gianmario Radice (Italia dei Valori) made this clear, explaining that Milan needs more police to regain its status as a safe city. This was reiterated with even greater fervour by the Greens’ group leader, Tommaso Gorini, who spoke of a “state that behaves like an ogre” and lamented a “lack of leadership” on the part of the mayor at such a delicate time for the city. And to leave no room for misinterpretation of his remarks, he explained that the unrest stems from “youth policies that have not been a priority for the administration”. From the PD, the dominant group within the coalition, there was no convincing defence of the mayor: it is clear that the men in camouflage are not welcome, and Sala’s decision was accepted with gritted teeth. 

It is easy to foresee that managing this rift between the council and the majority will not be straightforward. The government’s measure lasts for three months; an extension cannot be ruled out should public order remain out of control or otherwise under threat: an election is due to take place in Milan in May, and an election campaign centred on security would be a major boon for the centre-right. This scenario cannot be ruled out; at present, there appear to be no alternatives to the continued military presence. Indeed, it can be taken for granted, at the very least to ensure the smooth running of the Christmas festivities, which place a particular strain on the city centre from late November until Epiphany and on which investments by shopkeepers and the local council are concentrated. With all due respect to the centre-left.