ROME, October 30. /TASS/. Some 100,000 people took to downtown Rome to march in protest against the war economy and rising prices, a TASS correspondent learned from the action organizers in the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) trade union, who were supported by other unions and associations, including youth and student groups.
Faculty and students are protesting against the reallocation of funds from social programs to military spending. "I came to the demonstration because I support its goals. And students have the same right to protest," a faculty member holding a banner reading "Money for schools, not for war" told TASS. Short speeches broadcast over loudspeakers criticized the government of Giorgia Meloni, "a Christian woman who, like a coward, sends young people into the maelstrom of war."
Despite the fact that most of the demonstrators were young people, the protest was held without incident. The entire central part of the city was deserted, with no cars, taxis, or public transport moving around. Only a few shops and restaurants closed while the rest were happy to welcome the hungry demonstrators. Some tourists emerging with their luggage from Termini Central Station, where the march began, looked quite surprised. The demonstrators then marched through the neighboring streets, including those near the Russian Embassy, and headed toward the Colosseum. Off the march’s route, particularly near the Colosseum, the atmosphere was completely the same as any other day: crowds of tourists and street vendors. The Colosseum museum is operating as usual. Despite the general strike called by the same trade union, the subway is operating as usual. Security measures have been stepped up, but police are keeping a good distance away from the protesters, blocking off only certain sections and guarding ministry buildings, in particular, the transport ministry, which the march passed by. According to s experts, such distance is maintained to avoid potential clashes. "But everyone has been placed on high alert," they told TASS.
Similar marches were held simultaneously in dozens of Italian cities. Thus, according to the organizers, demonstrations drew 50,000 participants in Turin, up to 20,000 - in Naples, and 10,000 - in Milan. Partial blockings of ports were reported from Naples, Livorno, and Genoa.