General strike and protests in Italy against high cost of living and Meloni government policies

Widespread protests and a general strike have begun in Italy against the right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni, in protest against rising living costs, declining wages, and increased military spending. Demonstrations are taking place in over 50 cities with participation from students and unions, amid a heavy security presence.

Widespread protests against the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began in Italy on Friday, coinciding with a general strike called by trade unions in protest against rising living costs and declining wages, and demanding increased spending on public services. Demonstrations are expected in over 50 cities across the country, with participation from school and university students. The strike call includes vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and public transport. The AFP news agency quoted Laura Teresi, a representative of the student movement in Rome, as saying that students intend to organize widespread actions in protest against armament policies and the high cost of living. Italian authorities have deployed large numbers of security forces in anticipation of a recurrence of the violence that accompanied previous protests. The actions target the governing coalition, which includes three far-right and conservative parties and has been in power for four years.