Protests in Italy: Unions mobilize against Meloni

dpa | Tens of thousands took to the streets in Italy to protest against the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As part of a nationwide day of protest, there were demonstrations in major cities such as Rome, Milan and Turin, but also in smaller communities. A total of rallies are planned in around 50 cities, with pupils and students taking part in many of them.

The USB union also called for work stoppages in various areas such as local and long-distance public transport and healthcare. The security forces are on a large scale due to fears of riots. In Turin there were scuffles between demonstrators and police in the morning.

The protests are directed against Meloni's coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties, which has been in government in Rome since 2022. It is blamed for high inflation of currently 4.3 percent, low wages and high defense spending. Instead, students are demanding more money for schools and universities.

In local and long-distance public transport, disruptions were limited in the morning. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini had issued an order banning strikes in transport sectors due to the upcoming All Saints holiday on November 1st.

Increased controls and security measures are planned in many cities to prevent riots. In Rome, for example, the Colosseum, Italy's most visited attraction, is given special protection, and in Milan, the cathedral in the city center. In the past, serious riots broke out after peaceful demonstrations, especially in Milan. There were appeals to demonstrators not to wear hoods or helmets.