Why Meloni’s government is sending soldiers onto Italy’s streets

The deployment of 500 paratroopers to Milan to address protests reflects a historical trend of military involvement in public order. Past instances include the secret deployment in South Tyrol during the 1960s, the Bologna clashes in 1977, and the national emergency following Aldo Moro's kidnapping. The largest military mobilization occurred after the murders of magistrates Falcone and Borsellino in 1992, leading to Operation Sicilian Vespers, which restored public confidence in law enforcement. More recently, soldiers have been used for urban security, a shift criticized by police unions. The current government has increased troop numbers to enhance perceived security amidst ongoing challenges.