Protests have erupted across dozens of Italian cities as part of a national strike, with students and workers taking to the streets of Rome to decry soaring living costs, stagnant wages, and misplaced government spending.
The action was called by USB, one of Italy's grassroots trade unions, in coordination with several other labor organizations. Workers across both public and private sectors have walked off the job, disrupting education, transport, and healthcare services nationwide.
At the heart of the demonstrations is a widening gap between wages and living costs. Unions are demanding higher pay, greater investment in public services, and a reallocation of funds away from defense spending.
"Gasoline prices, the cost of living. Our wages haven't been increased in last 30 years," one protester said.
"So, we want to fight this government and we want to win the next election," another added.
Police are on high alert as the strike follows weeks of escalating demonstrations across Italy. The worst unrest occurred in Milan, where looting and clashes with police prompted the Meloni government to impose tougher measures against violent demonstrators and deploy additional troops.
Meanwhile, in southern Italy, truck drivers have launched their own action over soaring diesel prices, disrupting the transport of essential goods.
Workers, students in Rome protest over stagnant wages, soaring living costs
Workers, students in Rome protest over stagnant wages, soaring living costs
