Italy braces for cost of living protests under heavy security

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 09:08 · Archive

Italy is preparing for Saturday protests in eight cities against budget cuts and living costs, with authorities deploying drones and helicopters after violence last weekend.

Italy is preparing for Saturday protests in eight cities including Rome and Milan against budget cuts and the high cost of living. The demonstrations are part of a wave of protests by students, truck drivers and farmers over cost of living issues including housing and fuel prices.

Following violence last weekend, Italian authorities announced heavy security measures. Rome's police said they would "saturate both physical and virtual territory" and deploy drones and helicopters to monitor the demonstrations, whilst still aiming "to safeguard the full exercise of the right to express one's views, including dissent, but strictly in compliance with the law". Milan's mayor Giuseppe Sala confirmed extra soldiers sent in following last weekend's protests will patrol the city centre but said there was no plan to shut the city. He encouraged shops not to close, after several boutiques were looted last weekend and others closed or removed window displays.

Italy has also approved new security measures including a new offence of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting. The group calling itself the "October 17 Movement" has called for protests at 1300 GMT in eight Italian cities.

How it is being reported

• The European cities facing more protests from Paris to Milan as cost of living crisis bitesMass protests over the rising cost of living and worsening standards have thrown Europe into turmoilIndependent World · 24 Oct, 08:52
• Protests against cost of living expected in Italy under heavy securityItaly is preparing for another day of protests on Saturday against budget cuts and the high cost of living in eight cities, including Rome and Milan. Following last weekend’s unrest, authorities announced heavy security measures, including the use of drones and helicopters to monitor the marches.France 24 · 24 Oct, 08:08

In this story: Italy · Rome · Milan · Giuseppe Sala · October 17 Movement

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