Italy: Cost-of-living protests turn violent in Milan, mayors warn of fraying social contract

Peaceful demonstrations against the high cost of living in Milan and other Italian cities escalated into violence, prompting several mayors to warn that the 'social contract' is at risk. The escalation marks a shift from routine protest to unrest, though the scale and organization of the violence remain unclear. This matters as it signals rising social instability in a major eurozone economy, potentially pressuring the government's response.