Salvini and Lega Face Protests During Milan Social Center Standoff

Via Rizzoli in Milan was locked down by police on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during a planned demonstration by the League party led by Matteo Salvini and candidate Silvia Sardone. Counter-protesters from social centers and opposition politicians gathered nearby behind metal barriers, leading to an immediate standoff that forced organizers to postpone their scheduled neighborhood walkthrough.

Clashing Protests and Police Cordons on Via Rizzoli

The morning standoff drew participants to the municipal housing area. The League’s demonstration aimed to meet local public housing residents near a building managed by the Lambretta social center. Police officers in riot gear deployed metal barricades to keep the rival factions apart. Counter-protesters organized their own initiative under the banner of ‘Milano più giusta‘, calling the League’s presence a political provocation. Across the cordoned-off route, several dozen Lambretta activists gathered with the backing of delegations from Avs and Communist Refoundation. From the League side, a song titled ‘Non è colpa di Sardone’—written by the husband of the League European Parliament member, Davide Caparini—was played. Activists also displayed a banner reading Salvini devi pensare ai treni! Maledizione ciuf-ciuf.

The counter-demonstration featured activists alongside prominent opposition figures. Participants included Democratic Party regional group leader Pierfrancesco Majorino, European Parliament member Ilaria Salis, and regional councillor Onorio Rosati. Con altri rappresentanti delle istituzioni milanesi ho partecipato al presidio organizzato al Lambretta, per solidarizzare con quell’esperienza – che, tra l’altro, aiuta concretamente molte famiglie attraverso il mutuo scorso – oggetto di una campagna d’odio della Lega. Salvini, Sardone e soci erano oggi presenti nei pressi del centro sociale sputando tensione. Una cosa indegna stated Majorino.

Despite the high-tension atmosphere and opposing slogans, the demonstration remained largely peaceful with music playing from both sides. By noon, calm returned to the area and participants dispersed without major physical altercations.

Political Disputes Over Municipal Property and Housing Management

Silvia Sardone criticized the city administration for directly assigning a municipal property to the Lambretta social center without a competitive public tender. Sardone stated that the facility was granted for rent under the guise of a mutual aid association despite the center’s history of unauthorized occupations and past clashes with law enforcement. Siamo qua per due ragioni explained Sardone, adding that the goal was per l’ennesima volta le case Mm dove ci sono stati casi di legionella e ogni anno d’inverno ci sono problemi di riscaldamento and pointing out that the municipal property was assigned senza alcun bando al centro sociale Lambretta, mascherato dietro l’associazione Mutuo soccorso.

Matteo Salvini defended the planned visit, emphasizing that the League intended to discuss heating and maintenance issues affecting tenants ahead of the winter season. Salvini argued that municipal properties were mismanaged compared to regional public housing providers. Torneremo, perché non si può andare verso un inverno senza riscaldamento e senza servizi said Salvini, adding that Il Comune di Milano gli ha fatto un regalo, 380 metri quadri a 1000 euro al mese, non so quanti abbiano questa fortuna regarding the Lambretta space allocation.

Clarification Regarding Public Housing Jurisdiction

Amid competing claims during the site visit, the president of Aler Milano, Alan Rizzi, issued a direct clarification regarding property ownership in the area.

Following the blocked access and rising tensions, the League postponed its formal meeting with residents to a future date.