Shutters down and shopkeepers on high alert in Milan's fashion district , where concerns are growing over possible further unrest following the weekend's devastation. Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini, previewing one of the provisions of the decree the government is expected to approve in the Council of Ministers tomorrow, declared on social media: "From words to action! 500 more soldiers to defend Milan. Victory for the League."
In the afternoon, a new social media buzz, calling for a gathering at 3pm in the Cathedral to replicate what had happened in recent days , raised the alarm once again : shops emptied of goods and shutters down.
In Galleria Vittorio Emanuele , major fashion brands such as Prada, Vuitton and Dior have closed , the same situation in via Montenapoleone with Chanel, Hermès and Pomellato.
On Via Monti, Goyard posted a sign informing customers that "due to the demonstrations, we will remain closed."
Among the shops still open, the atmosphere is one of expectation: shopkeepers are discussing their next steps.
THE DAMAGE – Meanwhile , the damage tally is rising after the second day of devastation and looting . "From half a million yesterday morning, we're now at around 1 million ," explained Marco Barbieri, general secretary of Confcommercio Milano. "But the issue is different: the loss of revenue from businesses that have had to close and the cancellations that are starting to come in, especially from foreigners." What happened has already led to "several cancellations" from restaurants and hotels , "because people are afraid," Barbieri emphasizes. "The damage count also includes the damage to Milan's image."
(Unioneonline/vl)