Italy hit by general strike as protesters rally against living costs and military spending
Workers, students and activists took to the streets across Italy on October 30 for a general strike against rising living costs, low wages and military spending, with police on heightened alert in Milan following violent protests earlier this month.
In Milan, two demonstrations began near the city's central railway station and the Polytechnic University, with participants planning to join forces and march toward the eastern ring road, according to Corriere della Sera.
Organizers called for an end to what they described as an economy increasingly focused on war and rearmament, while demanding higher wages and better living conditions.
"People are in the streets today because workers and students cannot make ends meet, because schools are falling apart," said Luca Pistoia, a representative of the USB trade union.
He said the union wanted to bring the city to a standstill but insisted the demonstration should remain peaceful.
Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini ordered transport workers to maintain services despite the strike. According to Corriere, employees defying the order could face fines of €500 to €1,000, while unions could face penalties of up to €50,000.
Several tram and bus routes in Milan were nevertheless disrupted or diverted to accommodate the demonstrations.
Authorities deployed additional police and security personnel amid concerns about possible unrest, following clashes during protests on October 17 and 18.
Protests were also planned in Rome, Bologna, Turin and other Italian cities.
The October 30 demonstrations bring together labor unions, students and anti-war activists, with demands ranging from relief from rising prices to opposition to government policies on military spending.
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