Tens of thousands of people, mainly students and workers, have taken to the streets in various Italian cities to protest against the rising cost of living and increased military spending, while also demanding higher wages and improved quality of public services.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but in Rome and Turin, law enforcement officers used water cannons to disperse protesters. Around 15,000 students and port workers entered the port of Genoa to protest against the use of ports for arms shipments.
Protests have also been held in other European cities in recent weeks. More than 160,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in October 31 rallies in around 30 cities across Germany. The organizers are demanding improvements in the quality of education and a reduction in the cost of living.
In France, 70,000 law enforcement officers have been deployed ahead of the demonstrations to prevent possible unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has pledged to prevent a recurrence of the violence and looting that took place several days ago. The marches will be held away from city centres to protect shops.
