Riots broke out in Milan, Italy, Saturday, following protests that began as peaceful demonstrations against wars and the high cost of living.

The violence caused the Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping arcade to empty out at a time when they would normally be teeming with shoppers as rioters set fires, clashed with police, and looted stores.

The violence spiraled out of control with demonstrators hurling paving blocks at police and setting barricades on fire. Police dispersed the rioters using water cannons and tear gas. Police arrested about 50 rioters, including minors, and two police officers were injured.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the violence in a social media statement.

“Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not,” she wrote, slamming “hooligans who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those responsible for ensuring security and hold entire cities hostage.”

“The reasons for the protests were understandable. The violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city are not justifiable,” said Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala.

“Smoke bombs are being thrown at rooftop bars. Shops are locked down,” wrote Gauci Reports, an independent journalist. “A cost of living protest just became a riot in the heart of the city. Police are firing tear gas. Dozens have already been arrested. British tourists say they’ve never felt less safe and they’re rushing for the first flight home.”

The protests exploded against a backdrop of violence that has erupted across neighboring France, with no signs of abating over the course of a month, as the historic town hall in Limoges was burned down Saturday.