A general strike called by the USB trade unions is under way in Italy on Friday in protest against low wages, poor working conditions and rearmament. Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in dozens of cities.
Demonstrations with union members, workers and young people took place in more than 50 cities, with protesters chanting slogans against high living costs.
“Lay down your arms, raise wages. We’re blocking everything” was the slogan of Friday’s protest, printed on banners carried at the head of the marches.
As Italian media noted, the joint demonstrations drew union activists, pro-Palestinian activists, workers, and high school and university students.
A march of thousands began before noon in Rome. Some demonstrators rode into the city on tractors.
In Milan, about 10,000 people marched through the streets, and in Naples 20,000, the news agency Ansa estimated.
Organizers of the rally in Turin said about 50,000 people gathered there.
Fearing a repeat of the riots that broke out in Italy on the previous two weekends, the Interior Ministry decided to send reinforced police patrols into the streets of cities. Soldiers, who have patrolled streets and squares for many years, are also guarding key points in the cities. Additional troops are being deployed for the duration of the demonstrations.
Public-sector workers who belong to trade unions, including those in education and transportation, joined the general strike.
From Rome, Sylwia Wysocka (PAP)
