The Italian government has approved a package of measures to strengthen public safety, significantly expanding police powers. The corresponding decree was adopted by the Council of Ministers on February 5, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The main innovations concern preventative detention: police will now be able to temporarily detain individuals suspected of potential public disorder for up to 12 hours without charge, particularly before street rallies and demonstrations, to prevent potential unrest. This measure is a response to recent violent clashes in Turin and other incidents involving youth gangs and street crime.
Furthermore, the package includes:
tightening the fight against pickpocketing and youth gangs;
a ban on the sale of knives to minors;
expanding self-defense guarantees for police officers and ordinary citizens in the event of an attack;
tightening controls in high-risk areas (train stations, schools, parks).
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated: “These are not one-off measures, but part of a coherent strategy aimed at restoring freedom and security to citizens. We are strengthening our tools for preventing and combating widespread crime.”
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized that preventive detention “does not kill freedom” but serves to protect public order.
However, the initiative has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations. They argue that the new police powers could undermine constitutional rights to freedom of assembly, lead to arbitrary detentions, and contribute to the “militarization” of Italian cities. Some experts call the package a step toward restricting civil liberties and warn of the risk of abuse.
The decree will enter into force in the coming days after its publication. Some measures have been drafted as a bill that has yet to be debated in parliament.