Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Italy on Friday during a nationwide general strike, demanding higher wages, stronger public services and action to address the rising cost of living.
The 24-hour strike was called by grassroots union Unione Sindacale di Base, with demonstrations planned in more than 40 cities. Protesters also opposed increased military spending and the use of ports for arms shipments.
Clashes in Turin
Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although tensions flared in some areas following clashes earlier this month in which protesters fought with police, looted shops and vandalised property.
In Turin, police used water cannon to push back students and left-wing activists who approached security cordons protecting the prefecture building.
Tensions in Rome
A large march passed near Rome’s Colosseum, where protesters said they planned to pitch tents and remain over the weekend.
Some rubbish bins were placed across streets and set on fire. In the evening, a large group attempted to march towards parliament, prompting police to use water cannon to disperse the crowd, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Eight people were detained after repeatedly attempting to break through police barricades, according to the agency.
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Protests in Milan
In Milan, demonstrators marched onto the city’s ring road before ending their protest outside the Politecnico di Milano university.
Protesters carried flares and set fire to objects during the demonstration.
Genoa Port Protest
In Genoa, around 15,000 port workers, students and other demonstrators entered the port as part of protests against the use of port facilities for arms shipments.
The demonstration also highlighted the deaths of seafarers in conflicts stretching from the Gulf to the Black Sea.
The protests formed part of wider demonstrations in Europe and elsewhere against military shipments and the effects of armed conflicts.
Wider European Unrest
Italy’s nationwide strike came amid a broader wave of protests across European countries, including France, Spain, Belgium and Albania.
Demonstrators in several countries have raised concerns about the cost of living and other economic and social issues, putting pressure on governments to address demands for improved living standards and public services.
