Thousands of people were getting ready to take to the streets of Rome, Milan and other Italian cities on Friday as part of nationwide demonstrations against the cost of living and high military spending.
\n\nAfter several weeks of violent protests in Italy and throughout Europe, more widespread disruption is expected after the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) and other trade unions called on both public and private sector workers to strike and protest.
\n\nIn Rome, many waved communist and Palestinian flags, as well as anti-Iran war signs. Some let off pink smoke bombs. There was a jovial mood among the demonstrators as they lined up before the march, as has often been the case early on at previous protests, only for violence to break out later.
\n\nGiovanna Di Matteo, a member of the left-wing Potere al Popolo! party, said she was protesting against the government that “did nothing for the people of this country.”
\n\nProtesters storm the Colosseum in Rome
\n\nThe government had spent money on the military “while they cut on welfare, they cut on services and people cannot reach the end of the month,” she said. “They have no money for their houses, they have no money for…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business